It’s not often that good news seems to come out of the Middle East, but this week a human rights activist and his lawyer were pardoned by Egyptian President Sisi. In 2020 Patrick Zaki was arrested due to his writing about his life as a Coptic Christian in Egypt; in 2021, his lawyer Mohammed al-Baquer was also arrested. The charge was “false news” about Egypt.
In September 2021 after 19 months in detention Zaki went on trial, but he was freed on bail, but on Tuesday a court found him guilty. His case was the subject of a great deal of concern in Europe, especially in Italy, where Zaki had been studying. Baquer, a lawyer representing several dissidents, also became a target of the Egyptian government.
As Americans we often don’t realize how important our freedom to criticize and dissent really is. We may not agree with our neighbors or others in our community, but we still know they – and we – have the freedom to say what we think. That freedom is the bulwark of what keeps us strong, and neither politicians nor legislation should limit that freedom, whether it is in the street or the classroom.
Prayer for the Day
Searching to free ourselves from the past that chains us,
We come to you, O God, for the promise of freedom you offer;
Grasping at the frayed edges of our youthful dreams,
We look for the healing that only you can bring.
Plagued by the aimlessness that clouds our vision,
We pray for your grace to direct us.
In the name of the One who gives us clearer vision,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led like sheep to the slaughter.
- George Washington, President (1732-1799)
Hate speech and freedom of speech are two different things.
- Leslie Jones, American stand-up comedian
With my voice I cry to the Lord; with my voice I make my supplication to the Lord.
I pour out my complaint before God, and tell my trouble before God.
When my spirit is faint, you know the way.
Psalm 142: 1-3