Free Ali
Monday, February 28, 2005
Here are some of my photos from the demonstration in support of jailed blogger Ali Abdulemam that took place this afternoon in front of the Public Prosecutor's office:
As you can see, the turnout was small (50 people max) and there weren't many signs (but everyone had tape sealing their mouths shut). But obviously that's because it was only announced last night, and today is a weekday. I'm sure we can expect far bigger numbers at any future demonstration.
I got to speak to Ali's brother and he said that he's being held at Hoora prison right now. He said that he visited Ali in the morning/afternoon and that he's still in good spirits and smiling (just as he was last night when he was being taken to Hoora prison). And contrary to the reports published in the local papers this morning, he stated categorically that Ali has NOT accepted the charges. There's going to be a meeting tonight to decide the plan of action for the future.
And the latest news from Bahrania: 19 year-old Mohammed Almosawi, a second moderator of BahrainOnline.org, has been summoned to the Public Prosecutor's office for questioning tomorrow morning.
Even though most of us Bahraini bloggers don't have very anti-government material on our sites, this case does affect us all. (i) Even though I don't hate the government outright, I would like to reserve my right to criticize it when and if I feel the need to. (ii) Most of our blogs allow anonymous people to leave whatever comments they want on our sites. I don't want to be held accountable for each and every comment left on my blog because I might not have the time check each one. (iii) I have not yet seen any Bahraini laws regarding electronic media. Ali has been charged with violating the Press Law, but wasn't it scrapped or under revision or something? What is the Press Law?
So unless the government can prove that Ali made a statement inciting violence against others, I will fully support the demand for his immediate release.
This entry was posted
on Monday, February 28, 2005 at 2/28/2005 06:12:00 pm. Permalink
3/01/2005 02:00:00 pm
I saw these pictures on an American blog (buzzmachine) and was very troubled to see that Bahrain is doing the same to bloggers as Iran. I hope Ali is freed soon and I hope more media attention is brought to this situation. Free speech should not be curbed simply because people don't like what is being said. I enjoy blogs from Bahrain, Egypt, Iran and Iraq - it builds bridges between people who might never know each other's thoughts. Maybe that's what is scary to the governments. Afterall - once each side figures out the other is not the boogey man - they might build friendships and understanding? How scary that must be to those that blame all bad things on America - if you all find out we're not the scary, mean horrible people we're made out to be - you might like us! The horror! I'm glad 50 people were brave enough to stand up for their rights. I stand with them and everyone wishing to speak freely.