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Freedom is a beautiful thing
May 7, 2008 by Nicki
Having been born and raised in this country, sometimes it’s too easy to take for granted exactly how good I have it as compared to other parts of the world. As an American citizen, I have many rights that others do not. One of which is the first amendment. Ratified on December 15, 1791, the Amendment states:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I was reading a post by Jane Novak today about a prominent pro-democracy journalist in Yemen who is facing a jail sentence again for simply printing the truth, and speaking his mind.
Renowned journalist Abdulkarim al-Khaiwani is one of Yemen’s most prominent democracy advocates – for which he has paid a steep price. His paper has been closed, his website blocked, and his children threatened. He is now due to be sentenced on May 21 for “insulting the president” and “demoralizing the military.”
During his arrest in June of 2007, Al-Khaiwani was beaten and his six-year-old daughter slapped unconscious. While released on bail in August, Al-Khaiwani was kidnapped and tortured by thugs who threatened his life if he continued to write about Yemen’s president.
As al-Khaiwani’s sentencing approaches, there is growing fear a guilty verdict will open the door for a brutal crackdown on Yemen’s already-endangered journalistic community. Join with al-Khawiani’s supporters in Yemen and throughout the world as we urge the Yemeni government not to imprison journalists for their work.
Al-Khaiwani stands on principle for free speech. When he was arrested in 2004 (for “insulting the president”), prison guards broke his jaw — yet he still refused to agree to stop writing. In June of 2007, he was re-arrested on similar charges and dragged outside in his underwear. After being released on bail, he abducted by gunmen who broke his fingers threatened to kill him if he “wrote another word against the president or national unity.”
Civil rights advocates inside Yemen and abroad believe the charges against al-Khaiwani are unsubstantiated and simply punishment for his critical reporting. In fact, one of the main pieces of evidence used against him by prosecutors is an unpublished article criticizing Yemen’s president.
You can help!
At the behest of my Cotillion sister, I urge you to simply send a letter. It’s pre-filled, and you can opt-in for updates if you want, as well as choose to hide your information on the ’signed’ listings. (For updates you can read Jane’s blog and get other news — like the latest on the USS Cole bombers.)
As I hear it, this is due to get some major media coverage in the region, so every bit of support is needed. All it takes is just one minute of your time to click and send the letter.
Also covering this story:
(let me know if I’m missing anyone!)
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Urgent request for support!…
My friend and fellow Cotillion member, Jane Novak, has been blogging regularly and brilliantly about the corruption of the Yemeni government at her blog, the Armies of Liberation (she is also a contributor at the Jawa Report). The government of Yemen h…
[...] 2: Nicki is doing the links. [...]
[...] 2: Nicki is doing the links. Yay! Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)amateur thinks he can [...]
Great post! Very needed.
Trish’s last blog post: Do Our Troops Appreciate Letters From Home
Abdulkarim al-Khaiwani is Yemeni Journalist Faces Death Penalty…
Abdulkarim al-Khaiwani is a Yemeni Journalist who is facing a death sentence for his love of democracy while the bombers of the USS Cole go free. Viva la Yeman! Read more and see photos below.
Abdulkarim al-Khaiwani
Abdulkarim al-Khaiwani is a respect…
Nicki
A great idea to list all who have posted on this most dishearting tale. I think I will follow your lead.
As Beth stated:
“Abdulkarim al-Khaiwani is a Yemeni Journalist who is facing a death sentence for his love of democracy while the bombers of the USS Cole go free.”
No kidding! Am I shocked? No. And who knocks a 6 year old unconscious for God’s sake? Monsters that is who.
I pray for Abdulkarim al-Khaiwani to be released soon. That poor dear man. A brave soul to be sure. God bless him and his family.
Velvet Hammer’s last blog post: Campaign Launched for Yemeni Journalist al-Khaiwani, Please Join
[...] covering this story: Thanks to Niki for gathering them all [...]
[...] list of supporting bloggers is by Nicki. Said Jane Novak @ 9:11 am | Permalink No Comments [...]
[...] A list of blogs supporting al-Khaiwani and media freedom in Yemen is here. If you post on this (and please do!), let Nicki know and she’ll add you to the list. [...]
[...] across the ‘sphere who are blogging about the plight of al-Khaiwani. Click my Cotillion sister, Nicki’s blog to see the list or to add your own post link on his [...]
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[...] I had from the Hands Across the Middle East Support Alliance (a great organization), and the thirty other bloggers who are carrying the story of al-Khaiwani. But I guess a three page article would have been a bit [...]
[...] in all my efforts. Really, I couldn’t have done it without them and the other bloggers listed here and here [...]
[...] The Birthplace of the Process of Illogical Logic (Keeper of the list!!) [...]
[...] The Birthplace of the Process of Illogical Logic [...]
[...] The Birthplace of the Process of Illogical Logic [...]