Cam Vidler has published Kareem’s story in The Varsity, the University of Toronto’s official student newspaper: Jailed Egyptian Blogger An Example To Us All.
Excerpts:
In pursuit of this objective, Kareem has used his website to speak out against gender inequality at his university (Al-Azhar University in Cairo) and criticize what he sees as the negative influence of Islam on Egyptian society. For this, the brave writer found himself expelled, chased by knife-wielding thugs while security officials stood aside, referred to the public prosecutor, charged, convicted, and sentenced to four years in prison for “inciting hatred of Islam” and “insulting” President Hosni Mubarak. Needless to say, freedom of expression is under attack in Egypt.
Since then, the case has spurred a global movement calling for his safe release and for free speech in general. Western media outlets, including the Washington Post, Le Monde, the Globe and Mail, Der Speigel, and many others have embraced Kareem’s cause by publicizing his tragic story. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Reporters Without Borders have condemned his imprisonment and are currently lobbying the Egyptian government for his release. Politicians from Italy and the U.S. have also joined the effort by sending official letters to Cairo calling for Kareem to be pardoned.
[…]
To the dismay of the Egyptian government, the case has now become an important symbol of human freedom. Despite the gross injustice committed against him, Kareem has created an opportunity for bottom-up democratic reform by encouraging others to stand up with him. The internet is increasingly being effectively used as a tool to communicate political ideas in an area of the world where mainstream discourse is often controlled by the state.
Tom Palmer, director of the Byrne Project on Middle East Liberty and a close friend to Kareem, believes this is a key moment for the region.
“In every society, brave people have to struggle for their freedom, and the Middle East is no different. Arabs-and especially Arab Muslims-are taking the initiative to defend their precious right not to be arrested, imprisoned, or subjected to violence for expressing their views.”
Kareem’s message, however, should not be limited to Egypt, or the Middle East. Freedom of speech is constantly under attack from governments around the world. Countries like China, Russia, and Venezuela combat undesired expression with a range of tools, from restrictive licensing policies to state-owned ISPs and media outlets.
