As a blogger, Raif was simply exercising his right to freedom of
expression, and helping others do the same —and he's facing outrageous
punishment for it.Growing up in Egypt, I saw first-hand the despair and hopelessness that can come from witnessing the crackdown on free speech. When it seems like nothing will come of continuing to stand up in protest, it can be easy to feel like giving up and to succumb to the perception that progress can't become a reality.
But the movement on Raif's case demonstrates that activism — raising our voices together — really works.
Raif hasn't been flogged for 9 weeks, and that gives me hope. But he is still in prison, still at risk, and must not be forgotten.
-Khaled Sobhy and Natalie Green
-Amnesty activists and human rights defenders
Click here for more information and ONLINE PETITION.
