My friend Constantino Diaz-Duran has a great op-ed in the New York Post about the Egyptian blogger free speech case:
Egyptian authorities see blogging as so dangerous that they’ve kept Soliman in solitary confinement since his arrest in November. The former law student, whose dream was to open a human-rights law firm, has been been sentenced to four years in prison for the “crimes” of criticizing President Hosni Mubarak and insulting Islam.
The case sets a dangerous precedent in a country that has, until recently, been a beacon of hope for reform in the Middle East. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Hands Across the Mideast Alliance have condemned the sentence. Reporters Without Borders has even inducted Egypt into its Hall of Shame, naming it one of 2006’s “Internet Enemies.”
The U.S. State Department has expressed concern about Soliman’s conviction and the denial of his initial appeal. In Congress, Reps. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) and Barney Frank (D-Mass.) have joined forces to plead with the Egyptian ambassador on behalf of Soliman. But they remain the sole voices championing the release of this young freedom fighter.
Considering that our government sends Egypt nearly $2 billion in foreign aid each year, the response has been timid.
Hat tip: Julian
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