Today, they took away a friend
Author: Esra'a (Bahrain) - February 22, 2007
My friend Kareem has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. 3 years for his stance against Islam and 1 year for ‘defaming the President.’
I have nothing further to say. I don’t know whether to cry or to kick something in anger.
His appeal will be launched on Saturday by his lawyers, but we are told that it won’t do much, I just hope his sentence will at least be decreased.
The fight for his freedom will go on. We’ll work harder with more passion. He really doesn’t deserve this.
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No, of course he doesn’t deserve this. BUT, maybe this is just based on the distorted, biased foreigner’s veiws, when I read his blog comments, it really reminded me of those days of my youth long ago, I didn’t care what others thought of my opinions…So, I thought there were some strong, devil-may-care attitudes about the gov., and I really assumed that he would get his ass physically kicked by some hired goons; I didn’t think he would be arrested, etc. Kareem, if I lived in the area I would offer some kind of support but anything else would seem to be risking getting shocked… what kind of prison do they have for light offenders, and can he get it reduced for good behavior (or is this a joke in your penal system?)
To me working for him would be supporting the more enlightened, liberal thinking members of the political establishment to change laws, not going out on the streets with signs and banners….though that’s what I did long long ago.
Kareem will earn some kind of “reputation” from all of this. He will become a spokesperson, a symbol for a small group of the population. He could wind up becoming a politician, maybe.
Edo,
I guess at this point I can only be slightly annoyed with your comment.
It was due to our protests that Kareem’s case was known worldwide by hundreds of thousands of people.
It was due to our protests that Kareem’s case was being followed by MPs worldwide, and by members of the Supreme Court.
It was due to our protests and our campaign that hundreds of prominent bloggers found out about his case.
It was due to our protests and campaign that thousands from all over the world united in support of this good young man.
So don’t tell me they don’t work. They do. And we’ll keep doing them, whether you think they matter or not. Because we saw the difference it made and it was astounding. We saw people supporting us, strangers, politicians, economists, authors, parents, students, professors, international organizations …
We can do this. Never ever assume that we are not capable of achieving what you consider impossible or ineffective. Before we protested we wrote hundreds of letters, we wrote dozens of op-eds for the world’s most famous newsletters and magazines, we wrote press releases. We managed to get President Carter’s interest.
If you think these protests did not contribute anything, then you are incredibly wrong. And I just feel really sorry for anyone who isn’t able to see the efforts and the achievements so far. And I feel even more sorry for those who did not feel the need to be a part of it, because they missed out on a worldwide effort to free a great person who doesn’t deserve what he is being put through, not even after the vile things he said. It’s also rather beautiful that it’s mainly Muslims who are working on his case, despite what he said about our religion. I met him and he had nothing but respect and admiration for me as a Muslim, and that to me is what I consider tolerance. His freedom deserves to be fought for.
At this point in time I don’t care about what people think of what we’re doing. We’ll fight. You either join in this struggle, or you sit back and watch as we gain the support of millions. We do this not only for Kareem, but for the sake of basic human rights in the region.
If others will forget him, WE won’t. I made a promise, and I’m keeping it.
[…] Fellow blogger and Bahraini activist Esra’a was lost for words when she heard about her friend’s fate. “My friend Kareem has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. 3 years for his stance against Islam and 1 year for ‘defaming the President.’ I have nothing further to say. I don’t know whether to cry or to kick something in anger….He really doesn’t deserve this,” she writes in anguish. […]
Ah, Egypt, land of the Pharos. Still.
Esra’a,
I just read the news on Yahoo News. I immediately came here knowing how much Kareem’s sentence means to you.
My thoughts and prayers are with Kareem.
Keep up the good work and send any new petitions my way.
Fayrouz, thanks so much for your support. We are doing everything we can right now to emphasize the outrage all over the media, and we are blessed by a great team of journalists and influential bloggers who are helping us cover this case for the world.
I am an American Christian and if it were only possible for Muslims to hear the truth and were able to compare Islam with Christianity, and read the true words of the Bible, they would know that Mohammed was either a liar or was deceived by Satan. Islam is a horrible, murderous religion that enslaves its own followers. Who wants a religion that is nothing but hatred and offers no assurance of salvation other than by killing someone else in the name of Allah? I pray that God will crush the radical Islamists and will reveal the truth of Jesus Christ to the ignorant masses of Muslims who are fed nothing but lies.
Shame on you Grant, for your narrow-minded mentality and hatefulness against a faith you don’t understand at all, and for expressing no concern on Kareem when this post is about him, and not about Islam.
Esra’a , I hope you are not feeling too hopeless and that you know that all your good work for Kareem was not in vain, despite the sentence. I hope that all of us with consciences continue to keep the matter in the public eye to do what we can to help and ensure his safety.
Grant Thomas, go join your other friends at Jihad Watch or at LGF.
Esra’a, cheer up. You’ve done all you can. If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t he supposed to get 10-20 years? If he gets 4 then that’s still a victory… not a big or complete one, but still a victory if you think about it. Smile or I’ll come to Europe and tickle you!
This is ridiculous!
[…] Posted by kamangir on February 23rd, 2007 This is from Mideast Youth, […]
Esra’a,
Well, Uhhhh really I don’t think I deserved so much time for your post, but hey thanks. I should probably go back and read mine again. I wasn’t against your efforts. No sir! Or, No Ma’am. I used to do the same thing. I think its part of your karma to do it. I mean I wouldn’t do it all over again, as you are doing now. Yes you have improved in your protest skills through all those efforts, and you got people’s attention, and you made some valuable contacts….. for the future.
Please tell me I am mistaken, but I don’t think your efforts will change Kareem’s sentence. However I did ask, because it is true in US penal system code, “time off for good behavior”; there is a review board that one can appeal to after a certain percentage of the term is finished.
And I doubt this will affect Kareem in the long run of his life. I said there are alot of benefits from this. look on the bright side. From all your efforts you have put his name out front of all those groups and individuals you mentioned. He has recognition, and maybe it is due in a large part to your (and how many others?) efforts. He is healthy and he has communication, however limited with the outside. to help maintain those connections. He could, from my limited point of view, become a political force, perhaps.
Still with all those positives, dear Esra’a, I wouldn’t do it. I would let a woman like you continue. Like I said, its your karma. It remains to be seen how much Kareem appreciates your work. It ain’t for nothing that I have that tag line at the bottom as my signature in the forum….words outnumbering deeds, etc.
I am thinking of Kareem’s obligations he is incurring, not yours m’lady.
I think it was 3-11 years.
Ohh, I had to come back and send my best wishes to Grant Thomas
whoever he is, where ever he is ;-9 welcome to MEY.com Take off your sandals and sit a spell. Drink from the cool well, it may not be pure, but its sincere 
For Grant Thomas: I hope your comment is a joke. A stupid joke. How could you pretend to be Christian, when our first commandment is to “love the others as God loves you”?
Well that’s too bad; because it already did. He faced 11 years, he got 4, and he might get less with the appeal due to these efforts.
If you don’t believe in it, then I don’t think you truly understand the significance of what we’re doing. And I guess I don’t blame you because you weren’t there from Day 1 to see and experience the things we managed to achieve since November when our campaign first started.
I’m not talking about protests alone, why do you make this seem so insignificant than what it already is?
The world CHANGED.
This isn’ the 70’s! These aren’t sheer anti-war protests, the kind that you held and used to attend!
The world changed and it is constantly changing due to similar efforts. The entire face of the media changed. Communication strategies changed. Don’t tell me “I did this and I failed,” when we have did similar things in the past and succeeded. We are enforcing change. We are taking part in things that have the power to literally change our socities in the Middle East, and no one is going to even imply that we’re failures without me proving the fact that we are the force that the Middle East requires for change to take place.
We will succeed. We are already succeeding. We have the power to change things and we will not be discouraged by people who imply otherwise.
I won’t give up; ever. Many other activists face the same fate as you did, and go around saying “we failed” and thus they give up, but when activism is just a phase to you then such people shouldn’t be taken seriously. Because we don’t fail. We consider the options and the possibilities. There is no such thing as failure when it comes to activism. If you truly believe in it, you will succeed.
And we are succeeding. Big time. Deep inside, even Kareem himself knows it.
Giovanni,
I think Grant Thomas isn’t joking. People who write such comments forget that the Irish Protestants and Irish Catholics have been fighting each for many years now. It seems to skip their mind when they point fingers at people of other faiths.
I’m a Catholic who grew up in the Middle East. Most of my friends were Muslims. If I had to relive my life again, I would definitely choose the same friends.
Esra’a,
I am sorry to hear about Kareem’s sentence, it is a disappointing setback to say the least. I hope that you and are able to remain optimistic in spite of this injustice.
The community you have created and fostered through http://www.freekareem.com and the demonstrations you organized around the world no matter how small raised awareness and helped bring people together for an important cause. Demonstrations are never insignificant. By protesting with others rather than disapproving alone, there is solidarity.
Hi Esra’a - I’m a 32 year old Copt born and raised in Chicago…the very people Kareem was defending
And I just wanted to come by and give you a big “thank you!!”
You are quite the amazing young muslimaha!! How did you get to become so different? What you have done in raising awareness for Kareem is really quite unbelievable, you should be VERY proud of yourself.
Thank you again Esra’a and to all those around you who have helped out. The fact that you describe Kareem as quiet and shy really upsets me when I think about him in prison. I weep for Kareem. You could tell, just by reading his posts, that he is a kind and gentle soul who has a trememendous amount of empathy and compassion - things I see lacking in the Arab world sometimes.
Anyways, I just wanted to get this off my chest and let you know what I think of you and your efforts! I’ve been following every step of the process from day one. Hopefully, with enough international pressure (since most Egyptians are rejoicing over his imprisonment) we can have a happy ending for Kareem.
Take care of yourself and be safe! Rabenna ya khaleek’ee
Egypeter, that was the kindest thing anyone has said about me and the campaign so far. Thanks a lot for these encouraging words and please know that we’ll continue to defend Kareem, for the sake of all of us!
Shokran ya akhee.
Oh, you are MOST very very welcome Esra’a!!
And I know you will continue defending Kareem
I hope one day I get to meet and shake this brave man’s hand, whether here in the States or in Egypt (and you too, for that matter)!
Btw - I LOVED your little Bahrain protest that you held in defense of Kareem. It brought a huge smile to my face. Little in size but HUGE in spirit!
That’s all. Salaam.
Even a tiny little matchstick can start a fire, a fire that can burn down a forest. Your little protest was this matchstick
Keep it up
To hear this sentence makes me real sad – just 4 years is better than 7 or more years, but even one year is deadly, mindkilling long enough – I began at once to think about the prison conditions in Egypt – is it possible for Kareem to stay in contact via letters etc. to friends? – Is it possible for him to maybe study on (which here in germany is possible in jail) or is it just punishment with ugly conditions to break one’s will? – does he has to work there (under cheap conditions) & will he be still able to write down his thoughts (of course censored, whether they’re be insulting to state & religion) – I feal really concerned & how could we from the outside position help him there to survive spiritually?
“3 years for his stance against Islam and 1 year for ‘defaming the President’†.this disproportion of religion power versus state power in a relation of 75 % to 25 % is deeply concerning & terrifying & shows that no common sense or rationality were used in Kareem’s trial. – the dark ages here in Europe were ruled by barbaric un-christian church rules & we’re glad here that these dark times of cruel dark religion ruling over humanity & common sense are over since long times – hmm but apparently not yet in ‘back again’ to dark mediavial Egypt & similar countries –
Recently I read in Israellicool’s page about a 18 year old young man who made a (typical unaware youth) remark – who got sentenced for years in prison & later on to death penality – see here: http://www.israellycool.com/blog/_archives/2007/2/3/2706219.html
.. – I hope we can do something in support of his miserable situation now & thank you Esra’a so much for your fight for Kareem’s freedom – the next step is to support him..
& by the way ‘Grant Thomas’ what you tell has as much to do with christian true belief, like catholic inquisition & crusaderdom, like Jihadist & all those other religion misusing zealots who cover their intentions for mischief with a hypocrytical coat of self-righteousness & aggression against disbelievers – there’s nothing in the origin words of christianity which could justify that – & didn’t say Jesus in his mountain sermon “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land†- .- you see Grant Thomas, your words have nothing to do with christianity..(well maybe try to be meek, to get in closer contact with your imagined religion..)
I can’t resist coming back (for more scolding?)
I am far far away Esra’a, I don’t think you quite read the big picture of what I was painting. I applaud and encourage your efforts. THere is noting, unless you take it out of context, and even then, I said “I could be mistaken”. What more could I do/say? Give money?
Really, can you be surprised they came down on him? You read more of his postings and comments to commenters than I did. WERE YOU surprised they paid attention to his barbs?
Are you justifying his imprisonment?
Even if you think it’s not surprising that he got 3 years for his stance against Islam, HE GOT ONE YEAR FOR INSULTING THE PRESIDENT! Yes! I find that surprising and downright cruel! Whether or not I or anyone else find it surprising is actually none of anyone’s business, the fact is that it happened and will continue to happen for as long as people find it “not so surprising” and “predictable.”
It’s so easy to dismiss this case at the comfort of your home, claiming that there’s nothing to be done about it (and not by the likes of us anyways,) but my friend is in prison right now for having and expressing his opinion. He is suffering in prison right now because he felt the urge to continue expressing such opinions despite the threats, risks, and dire consequences that came with it. He did it for the sake of progress in the region, and in the name of freedom of speech. I will not allow anyone to justify this and claim that we’re fighting a lost cause. Kareem deserves to be fought for, and he will be fought for. I will not tolerate statements made against him at this point, claiming that “he asked for it.” No matter what his approach was, at the end of the day it was his opinions that put him in that jail cell - NOT his “crimes,” since he never committed any.
I urge everyone to read this excellent post. FINALLY, the right support from Muslims.
I am in the process of reading your link. Interesting. I think, there is a difference , obbiously between the viewpoint of someone from outside the culture being represented, regardless of whether they are members of that culture or not, and someone within the culture being discussed who has lived there long enough to absorb the tensions between modern and traditional view points.
Kareen obviously represents a modern point of view. And the people who felt offended represent a traditonal point of view.
I agree with you. But that traditional view is corrupt, and those in the past who knew it was corrupt weren’t able to express that freely. Now, we have the technology to let the world know that it’s corrupt, and with this campaign we are doing just that.
The Free Kareem campaign is now one of the largest campaigns made to free a blogger in history, and we are proud of this achievement and will only make sure that the case remains news-worthy for as long as he will be in prison. The Free Kareem coalition is blessed with a talented and determined team who are willing to do a lot to achieve the most that we are all capable of.
Esra’a, I second Egypeter. I swear, you never seize to amaze me. I really mean it and I’m not trying to kiss your Bahraini ass. How you never seem to lose hope is just beyond me. Even though I’m busy like crazy nowadays, I’m always lurking around, so if you need anything, just email me or SMS me.
Salam ya 3ajeeba!
[…] I am extremely proud of our Free Kareem Coalition members for sacrificing much sleep, college/work time, and working incredibly hard throughout the entire weekend in order to strengthen the Free Kareem campaign which is by far one of the strongest campaigns for a blogger ever. I have my amazing friends and colleagues to thank for that. The day we found out about the verdict, we managed to make Kareem’s case known worldwide by writing press releases, op-eds, alerting news agencies around the world, giving interviews, and helping each other out with all of our needs (preparing for interviews, exchanging information, and being supportive, encouraging, and hopeful when one of us felt down.) Meet the staff. Many of us risked a lot by being a part of this campaign, but we put Kareem’s interests before ours. […]
Can I ask our Arab friends here a question.
I condemn Abdel Kareem Suleiman’s four year sentence and agree for a campaign for his release from Egytian jail.
In Egypt the secular liberal opposition is very weak and the Muslim Brotherhood very strong.The Islamist slogan in Algeria in 1990’s was “one man, one vote, one time.†ONE TIME.Which means dictatorship after the election.And the election where the Islamist won caused a civil war killing hundreds of thousands of Algerians
As Fatemah Farag wrote in AL-AHRAM :The losses have been staggering: all the leading figures of the left-leaning Tagammu Party lost their seats, including political veteran and former Free Officer Khaled Mohieddin in Kafr Shukr in Qalyoubiya, long-standing MP for Port Said El-Badri Farghali and labour representative Abul- Ezz El-Hariri, who failed to win in the Alexandria constituency of Karmouz. The Nasserites have yet to win a seat and only four members of the Wafd have been returned to parliament, leaving leading members such as Munir Fakhry Abdel-Nour out in the cold. The independent left is looking at a big fat zero.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/771/eg9.htm
Now if the alternative to Mubarak or his National Democratic Party in a truly democratic election is the Muslim Brotherhood - what is the solution for a liberal Arab like yourself if you lived in that situation?
Maybe someone could initiate a seperate blog entry on this topic?