Yesterday, while reading an article - jailed journalist dies in Cameroon, I came across a story worth telling; a story about Abdel Kareem Nabil Suleiman - a young blogger in prison in Egypt.Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and a beacon of democracy - like I said in the article about Lars Vilks. Althought the right to freedom of expression is expressly guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, many states, do not hesitate to deprive individuals of this right - especially when it is used to expose state-sponsored violations of human rights and democracy. Kareem is only one of the many individuals arrested and imprisoned for critical writings in Egypt and worldwide.
According to English Pen, Abdel Kareem Nabil Suleiman, a 25 years old Egyptian blogger, was arrested in November 2006 and sentenced to four years in prison in Febuary 2007, for defaming the President of Egypt - Mohammad Hosni Mubarak and insulting islam.
Kareem is young - 25 years old and a growing voice of the voiceless. Here is what he wrote (in English) about himself on his blog:
"I am down to earth Law student; I look forward to help humanity against all form of discriminations. I am currently studying Law in Al Azhar University. I am looking forward to open up my own human rights activists Law firm, which will include other lawyers who share the same views. Our main goal is to defend the rights of Muslim and Arabic women against all form of discrimination and to stop violent crimes committed on a daily basis in these countries."
Does his statement strike a chord?
If you know anything about Egypt, human rights and women's rights, you would understand, drawing from the above statement, why Kareem was arrested. English Pen reports that he was arrested after publishing critical articles on his blog.
Kareem's prison term is expected to be over on 5 November 2010. You can show support for the young blogger, by taking action on the FreeKareem Blog.
It is unacceptable to have a young blogger in prison - simply because his government thinks his views are flawed.
*Photo from FreeKareem photo Gallery.
Yes, this is a sad case and the double standards that the west practices in the Middle East. Many who do not understand what human rights is have never had it taken away from them. For me it took on a new meaning when I was arrested in Argentina for not having my id. When you are at the mercy of incomprehension, anything outlandish becomes normal.
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