Free Alaa

"Have you heard of Alaa Ahmed Seif al-Islam? I hope so, but if not this would be a good time to learn who he is.

Alaa is a pro-democracy Egyptian blogger whose worldview -- or perhaps merely his having the temerity to publicly express it -- has seriously annoyed Egyptian authorities. As a result, Alaa has been detained for exercising a right of free expression many of us take for granted, but which was his to use only at his own peril.

Please take a moment to read a little more about Alaa and his situation at Lisa's blog, On The Face, and at Yael's site, Step by Step. And if you have your own blog or website, adding a link to the Free Alaa! blog using the word Egypt in the linking text will help let anyone searching for important information about Egypt find out about Alaa first. Egyptian blogger Sandmonkey also has information on how to write letters or emails to US, Canadian, or Egyptian authorities on Alaa's behalf.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference by having your voice heard in support of freedom of expression -- and Alaa's physical freedom as well.

When I first read about Alaa's situation, and the appeals to publicize his case and write letters and emails on his behalf, I was interested but skeptical about whether I as an Israeli could help. I held back for a few days out of the belief that if a slew of emails were to deluge the Egyptian regime indicating that Israelis demand a certain blogger be released from detention, it could hurt more than help.

Obviously I think I was wrong."

Free Alaa! in Egypt.