Human Rights

Speak Out for Ashraf Fayadh

Posted on by Mark Aldrich

In February 2016, a court in Abha, Saudi Arabia, announced that it had retracted its November 2015 death sentence for the poet Ashraf Fayadh and exchanged it for a sentence of eight years in prison and 800 lashes with a cane. He must also make a public statement of repentance.

This new sentence switched his conviction from one of apostasy, or renouncing his religion, to one of blasphemy, insulting that religion and its leaders.

Today, December 10, International Human Rights Day, a date celebrated by the United Nations and human rights organizations for decades. Artists and activists around the world are speaking out on behalf of Ashraf Fayadh by creating art, writing essays, joining a Tweetstorm, recording podcasts, and many other ways of showing support. The website “Arabic Literature (in English)” published a list of ten suggestions in a July post: “Make Noise & Beauty on July 28, a Day of Creativity for Ashraf Fayadh.” If you participate, please use the hashtag #FreeAshraf. Everything that follows below is my small contribution.
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For Shawkan, the Nightmare Continues

Posted on by Mark Aldrich

A journalist’s job is to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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In a courtroom near Cairo, Egypt, earlier today (December 10), the case of photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid (“Shawkan”) was adjourned once again, this time until Tuesday, December 27.

Today is International Human Rights Day, a date celebrated by the United Nations and human rights organizations for decades. Around the world today, people have been posting photos of themselves “behind bars” in support of Shawkan. The photo at top is one collection of dozens I that greeted me on my Twitter feed today. Amnesty International has a “Write for Rights” public petition on Shawkan’s behalf, as well: Write for Rights for Shawkan.

Shawkan’s story has so far been one of the denial of basic human rights by a nation allied with Western governments, but it also has been a story of many citizens stepping up and making certain that Shawkan’s story is heard. Both stories are worth knowing.
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Shawkan’s Trial Delayed Until 12/10

Posted on by Mark Aldrich

A journalist’s job is to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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In a courtroom near Cairo, Egypt, earlier today (November 19), the case of photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid (“Shawkan”) was adjourned once again, this time until Saturday, December 10.

December 10 is also, coincidentally or perversely, International Human Rights Day, celebrated by the United Nations for decades. Shawkan’s story has so far been one of the denial of basic human rights by a nation allied with Western governments, but it also has been a story of many citizens stepping up and making certain that Shawkan’s story is heard.
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