Today, the 16th of November, is what the UN considers the “International Day of Tolerance.”

We welcome the Egyptian government to embrace this day by showing respect for freedom of speech and having tolerance for anyone who holds a different opinion or believes in a different faith (or chooses not to believe in anything at all.) Both of these factors are essential in any democracy, which Egypt should not dare call itself should it continue carrying out its human rights abuses.

How does Egypt define religious tolerance and human rights? Because the Baha’i faith is still unrecognized within Egypt. The Egyptian Baha’i minority lack the most basic rights because they cannot officially get their ID cards, the key to civil life in Egypt. As for human rights, people like Kareem are still in prison simply for expressing their personal opinions. Kareem’s 4 year sentence violates every definition of tolerance, free speech and democracy.

Is this really how Egypt wants to be viewed by the world?

Is this really what Egypt wants to put its citizens through?

Will Egypt admit that it’s operating under a merciless dictatorship?

When will Egypt correct these grave mistakes?