Kareem’s latest letter from prison was published a few days ago in Arabic here, and now Dalia Ziada provides an English translation for the international readers:

“I am concerned that others may stop expressing themselves through blogging in fear of facing the same destiny of mine. I want to clarify that my situation is so special. I was writing with my real name. I refused the idea of hiding my real identity with a pseudonym and preferred to be frank with my self in everything whatever the consequences are. I have some reasons for this; the most important is that we cannot change our society according to our beliefs while covered and frightened.

Criminals, holders of retarded thoughts, and extremists are not ashamed or afraid of talking openly about their ideas. They do not hide behind masks. It is better for us then not to panic and speak plainly, even if guns are pointed to our heads. Others do not hesitate to commit suicide and bomb themselves in favor of their beliefs… Not everyone is committed to agree with my point of view. When people use nicknames, no one will pursuit them because they are too stupid to use information technology. If I did not confess that I am the writer of the articles that put me to trial, they could not do any thing for me. Furthermore, I was a student of Al-Azhar University, which motivated the whole case against me. Not all those who write belong to Al-Azhar like me. There are some more reasons that I do not need to mention now. I do not want to be a reason for people to be afraid of facing the same fate. Certainly, other writers did not face the same fate although they provide writings that are more daring than mine are.”

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