THE FIGHT FOR FOUR MEN

                                         

                                                    THE FIGHT FOR FOUR MEN

Let me ask you a question. What does Freedom mean to you? Some may say it's being able to go for a ride, or a walk. Some may describe it as being alone with their own thoughts, shutting the rest of the world out. However you interpret freedom is fine. For myself it's being able to have my own opinions and to be able to share those opinions even if others may disagree with them.

For four good men, the only freedom they needed was to tell the truth to - and about - the world, via their journalism.

Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy, and Baher Mohamed were arrested in Egypt in December 2013. Their colleague - Abdallah el-Shamy - was already in jail having been arrested in August of the same year. 

They were charged with spreading false news, bringing Egypt into disrepute (yes, really!), and having ties with (and providing a platform for) the Muslim Brotherhood, who Egypt class as terrorists. 

Al Jazeera's stand is "we reject all charges and continue to campaign for their immediate release". 

it is the consensus they are innocent of all charges. So the reason they are in jail is somewhat of a mystery. Not only to their colleagues and journalism as a whole, but to people who have friends who are journalists (myself included) and anyone who believes in the importance of journalism, free speech, and a sense of justice.

Justice sounds (and is) a strong word. But in this case it's definition is simple because it translates to something simple but just as powerful  - #FREEAJSTAFF

This hashtag has been appearing on Al Jazeera and Twitter every hour of every day since these men were jailed. There was also a global day of action for the men who were wrongfully arrested just for doing their job. The taped mouth and hashtag picture has become a symbol all over the world of freedom of speech and journalistic freedom specifically. A way to show the Egyptians we will not be intimidated and certainly not silenced.

By jailing these men, Egypt has effectively shot itself in the foot, because it only served to prove how important journalistic freedom is and how much it is valued. After 100+ days* (Al-Shami 236+*) in jail people are still fighting for their freedom. 

It's because these journalists and many others like them do not belong behind bars. They should be outdoors doing what they do best. Using their talents to tell the truth about the world around them.

Where this situation goes or how gets resolved is open to question. But Abdullah Al-Shami is in a precarious situation. And it would be be desperately sad if he had to die to prove how important journalistic freedom is. One thing is certain though.

The men of Al Jazeera deserve their freedom.  Until they are released, the support will continue and calls for their release will never be silenced.  All anyone asks of the Egyptians is that they #FREEAJSTAFF

For the four talented men of Al Jazeera "JUSTICE" is as simple as that!.

(*These numbers were correct at the time this was originally written).

NB On 17 June 2014 Abdallah el-Shamy was finally released from jail on medical grounds.