BOSTON, Sept. 25 AIC-Yemen-Journalist
Weddady: "A Great Day for Free Expression in the Middle East."
BOSTON, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Islamic Congress (AIC) today hailed news that leading Yemeni journalist Abdulkarim al-Khaiwani has been pardoned after more than three months in prison on charges of "insulting the president."
AIC has campaigned for al-Khaiwani's release since June, generating over 1,600 letters to Yemeni officials from free speech supporters around the world (http://campaigns.aicongress.org/yemen).
"This is a great day for freedom of expression in the Middle East," said Nasser Weddady, AIC's Civil Rights Outreach Director. "A pioneering Arab journalist who stuck to his principles is once again a free man."
"Freedom is not a gift, and the struggle is for everyone," al-Khaiwani said in a statement to AIC following his release. He left prison just before 4 pm local time and returned home, reuniting with his family.
"Today's victory illustrates that civil rights cannot be repressed without consequences," stated Weddady. "Activists around the world won't stay silent, and citizens are taking matters into their own hands without waiting for governments to act."
Weddady credited "a remarkable grassroots coalition" that united to campaign for al-Khaiwani. First to mobilize on the journalist's behalf were brave Yemeni reformers and activists across the Arab world. They were joined by Western human rights organizations and leading members of Congress, who maintained pressure for al-Khaiwani's release.
But one advocate who has tirelessly championed al-Khaiwani throughout his persecution from the Yemeni regime is New Jersey blogger Jane Novak, who orchestrated an international campaign from her suburban home (www.armiesofliberation.com). Her efforts were profiled by the New York Times, NPR, Fox News, and Al-Arabiya.
"Jane Novak is an inspiring example of how an ordinary person can stand up for freedom in the Middle East simply with an Internet connection and a dynamic blog," observed Weddady. "She is a true world citizen - and her example is a compelling model for how we can connect across borders to defend basic civil rights."
The American Islamic Congress is a civil rights organization promoting tolerance and the exchange of ideas among Muslims and between other peoples. With the motto "passionate about moderation," the organization leads initiatives around the world and has offices in Washington, Boston, Egypt, and Iraq.
SOURCE American Islamic Congress
