"If blogging's not a crime, why's Kareem doing time?"

From a friend at Amnesty International:…

"I went with Amnesty to protest outside of the Egyptian Embassy by the UN yesterday. It was over Kareem Amir, a blogger who was sent to prison for four years when he bad-mouthed the Egyptian government (yesterday marked his second year there). Egypt claims to have free speech, but obviously they don't, considering a blogger like you is in prison. We were shouting, "Blogging's not a crime, why's Kareem doing time?" I thought you would be proud.”

I am VERY proud.


Side note:
Kareem is a former law student who was arrested and jailed for blog posts that were considered anti-religious and critical of the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. He insisted on his right to free speech and as a result was thrown in jail.

Lately, I’ve realized the value of freedom of expression and the importance of creating an environment where people don’t feel so intimidated they can’t express their opinions. Multiple points of view on issues are important even if you don’t agree with them. I am extremely grateful for the first amendment and for the right that Americans have to freely point out the flaws in our judicial system and to BLOG without getting censured.

Free Kareem!

Photo Credits:
Rev Dan Catt, Flickr