Posts Tagged ‘bloggers unite’
Bloggers Unite: Express Yourself
I was pleased to see the response to the Bloggers Unite Initiative has been so positive, that bloggers like Kevin from PointlessBanter.net have helped make the media aware of it. And with more exposure, means more people educating themselves on the plight of human rights. I, too, found myself in a bit of a pickle, as I tried to figure out how I could contribute to the cause. How does someone who spends his time making politicians and pop stars look like idiots, spread the word? What could I possibly write about that would be relevant to me?
Well, one plight does come to mind, and is of great concern to bloggers everywhere. Freedom of Expression.
I feel very fortunate, that I am able to take time out my day, and rant about the things around me, no matter how irrelevant or controversial. There are others in this world, who if they tried, would be endangering their own lives. I cannot even fathom what that must be like.
Many of us take freedom of expression for granted. When I turn on CNN, I don’t consider the fact that any of those individuals would see harm for reporting the news, or for expressing their opinions.
When I open the newspaper, I don’t suspect that by publishing a story or an editorial, that someone may get arrested for it, or face death threats.
So, why would I think twice about what I write in my blog?
Fouad Al-Farhan, however, did not share the same attitude when he posted comments on his blog that were critical towards the Muslim faith. And his fears became reality on December 10th of 2007 when he was arrested for an unspecified “violation of non-security regulations.” During the time he we detained in Jeddah, he had no contact with the outside world, with the exception of a single visit he was permitted with his father, and was completely denied the services of a lawyer. His release on April 26th, brought great joy not only to his family, but the Saudi bloggers who campaigned for his freedom. His release was not without its own controversy, as it was revealed that no charges were laid against him. A man was arrested and detained, and it took over four months of “questioning” for authorities to realize that his imprisonment was unjust. What is wrong with this picture? A man was punished for expressing his opinion, and was kept away from his family for 138 days. This type of injustice should not be tolerated, and every person in this world should have the same basic right to express themselves, without fear of punishment or imprisonment.
For more information regarding problems people around the world are facing with the basic right to express themselves, check out:
Amnesty International
Reporters Without Borders
Global Voices Advocacy
More of our normal hilarity, coming soon.
