K 17. listopadu jeste přidávám dopis z revoluce, ktera zatim bohuzel nedopadla dobre. Pred rokem jsme s Ahmedem Maherem hodinu mluvili o obtizich prechodu z diktatury smerem k demokracii v prazske kavarne Globus, ted si ten chytry sympatak odpykava tri roky na samotce v egyptskem vezeni. Pred mesicem z vezeni napsal dopis organizatorum Fora 2000, ktery tu kopiruju - at si pribeh toho kluka, jednoho z lidru revoluce 2011, vsimne aspon par dalsich lidi: Ahmed Maher Tora Prison, Cairo First of all, I would like to congratulate all attendees and participants. Also, I would like to thank all of the organizers of the Forum 2000. This conference is one of the most important events in the world in promoting peace and democracy, and in enabling the sharing of experiences among those defending peace and democracy. I had the honor of participating in the Forum 2000 last year, where I spoke about global inspiration and how Egyptian youth had benefited from the changes and revolutions in Eastern Europe over the past 25 years. I would have loved to participate in the Forum 2000 this year but the bars of the regime’s prison surround me. I now serve three years of solitary confinement for violating the new protest law that was passed in Egypt towards the end of 2013 by the President in order to stifle any opposition to the current military regime, in the absence of a parliament or the agreement of the community. Unfortunately, there has been a coup on the January 25 revolution of 2011, and the oppressive regime that is now ruling Egypt is taking revenge on the youth who played a role in igniting the spark of the revolution. Hundreds of the revolutionary youth languish in prisons serving years in jail for protesting without a permit. It is unfortunate to say that the corruption, oppression, tyranny and dictatorship that were prevalent before 2011 have returned. Perhaps the suppression of freedoms, stifling of opposition and the abuse of human rights that are occurring now under the leadership of El Sisi are even worse than during Mubarak’s 30-year reign. But what is even worse and more dangerous is the spreading of hatred and the spirit of vengeance, as well as the lack of pluralism, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, diversity and respect for others. This is the effect of the propaganda machine driven by the regime that allows only one voice which manipulates the truth and stifles the voices of dissidents and anyone who disagrees with the regime. I always place a great deal of faith in this conference to continue efforts to support freedom, democracy, forgiveness, coexistence and tolerance – not just in Egypt but throughout the entire world. I am certain you have all been following the wars, murder and destruction that have been taking place in the world in general, and in the Middle East especially. The main reason for this is the absence of the spirit of forgiveness and the idea of coexistence, and a lack of respect for diversity and individual rights. The main reason for what is happening in Egypt is the absence of the idea of democracy and the absence of the idea of forgiveness, as well as the regime’s disrespect for freedom of opinion and disrespect for freedom of expression. As for my detention, it is truly terrible, made more terrible by the oppression that has no respect for the basic principles of humanity. Egypt’s prisons are notorious for their horrible conditions and lack of respect for any principles of humanity. However, what made my time in detention more tolerable was reading and, in particular, reading the biography of the late President Václav Havel. By coincidence, I had begun reading published articles on the biography of Václav Havel, his quotes and his journey. This eased my pain greatly, and I wrote an article about it in February 2014, for it is a wonderful thing to read the words of Václav Havel and to discover his journey and his bravery. How desperately the world needs, and how desperately the troubled Middle East region and Egypt need more efforts in spreading the ideas of forgiveness, coexistence, peace, respect for others and respect for freedom, democracy and human rights. That is why the Forum 2000 is one of the most important events that can contribute to this, as it brings together the experiences of thinkers and defenders of freedom and democracy across the world. Finally I want to congratulate all of the organizers and participants of this great conference on their efforts. I wish you luck and success.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 19:41:31 +0000
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