Press Release

Interfaith Coalition Condemns Egyptian Court for Denying Arrested Blogger’s Appeal
Calls on President Hosni Mubarak to Pardon Kareem Amer

MARCH 12, 2007

NEW YORK–The Free Kareem Coalition is saddened by the Egyptian appeals court’s decision to uphold the four-year sentence handed to Abdul Kareem Nabil Suleiman, better known as Kareem Amer, in February for criticizing the Egyptian government and condemning radical Islam. The interfaith coalition has issued an urgent request to Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak to pardon Kareem as soon as possible.

According to the Coalition’s New York coordinator, Constantino Diaz-Duran, “Kareem’s continued imprisonment will only serve to draw further negative attention to Egypt’s human rights record, which has been criticized recently by the U.S. State Department; Reporters without Borders; Amnesty International; and Human Rights Watch, among other organizations.” The government of Egypt has offered to host the United Nations Internet Governance Forum in 2009. “Immediately releasing Kareem would show the international community that Egypt is ready to respect freedom of expression and that it can be trusted with a role in shaping the Internet’s future,” said Mohammed Shouman, the Coalition’s Editor and Administrator.

Kareem has been jailed in Alexandria, Egypt, since November 2006. He has been denied access to visitors and his own legal defense team, and his family has publicly denounced him. Because Egyptian prisoners rely on family members to provide clothing and food, Kareem faces a harsh existence without their support. The Free Kareem Coalition is spearheading an effort to deliver food and clothing to Kareem while he awaits release. Donations to the prison aid fund can be made via PayPal at the Coalition’s Web site, www.FreeKareem.org.

Kareem’s supporters can express solidarity in his cause by purchasing “Free Kareem” hats, shirts, and buttons at www.FreeKareem.org. A portion of each sale will go to Kareem’s prison aid fund.

Coalition member Chris Kilmer added that, “While today’s news is undoubtedly frustrating, we believe the continued efforts of well wishers and supporters from around the world can make a difference for Kareem.”

Media Contacts, Free Kareem Coalition:

Mohammed Shouman, Editor and Administrator
editor@freekareem.org

Constantino Diaz-Duran, New York Coordinator
constantino@freekareem.org
+1.202.288.3328

Andrew Perraut, London Coordinator
andrew.perraut@freekareem.org

The Free Kareem Coalition is an interfaith alliance of young bloggers and college students committed to the principles of freedom of thought and freedom of speech.