Khaled Said was a 28 year-old Alexandrian that did not see his 29th birthday. He was a victim of Hosni Mubarak’s security police who seized the young man while he was at an Internet cafe this past June, and beat him severely before crashing his skull against the sidewalk. His crime: he was computer savvy and was exposing police corruption on line. His death occurred in broad daylight.
Women’s Lens ran the story on June 14th, 2010 together with a photo of Said, post beating. Said’s last post was a video to the Internet of Egyptian police sharing profits from a drug deal. The original article which ran in Arabic-language paper Al-Shorouk related the incident which has since been shared on Facebook by over 7,000 people.
In Egypt, massive demonstrations followed the death of Khaled Said. As reported by trueslant.com, in less than 48 hours, 100,000+ Egyptians joined his Facebook memorial page.
On August 26, 2010, Women’s Lens ran another story titled ‘Blogging And Tweeting, Egyptians Push For Change’. Below is the lede:
Young Egyptians are using social media to fight police brutality and urge a more open government. Critics say that not a single Arab dictator has been overthrown by protests on the Web. But young activists say their goal is to raise awareness among Egyptians.
Less than 6 months later, the world witnessed a peaceful, purposeful, and determined revolution in Egypt which overthrew the government of Hosni Mubarak. With Americans glued to their preferred media platform, it was hailed by many as having been driven by social media. The ‘We are all Khaled Said’ Facebook page rose to notoriety within the first day of the 18 days of continuous demonstrations in all major cities in Egypt. And it has vowed to continue its updates.
But last night belonged perhaps, to the loneliest woman in the world. Khaled Said’s mother had a houseful of people coming to celebrate Egypt’s newborn democracy, but in the accompanying video, she is clasping a pillow which bears her son’s likeness; in her left hand, she has a mobile which she holds up for all to see her treasured son who lost his life to the infamous, hideous tactics of suppression that were part and parcel of Hosni Mubarak’s reign. Though the air is filled with music, her eyes are filled with tears.
This one is for you Khaled.
Comments
Bush is the only hero. He's the one that got the ball rolling.
Bush?? What Bush are you talking about? The Burning Bush on Mt, Sinai? or Reggi Bush the Football player? He's the only one I know that can get a Ball Rolling. The Hero's are the Egyptian People and Khaled Said and his Family. America, GOP and Goof Ball had nothing to do with The Hero's of Egypt. I surprised you didn't mention Cheney or Rumsies. But then again it was Bush who is hated by most Nations around World, What a fool .....
That's right. We all know the hate from the left is rampant. But it will go down in history that Bush was the one that got the democracy ball rolling in the barbaric Middle East.
and there is no hate from the Right for Obama, Give me the world a break. Giving Bush credit for democracy in the middle east, is like giving him credit for Finding Weapons of Mass Destruction WMD's Tell this to the 4000 American soldiers who died in Iraq. The 100,000 he killed in Iraq. It's not that we who hates him....The World outside your bubble hates him. Read what Mubarak said about the Chimp, they never trusted him. NO one trust a lair. Never forget the Worst President GW, unless your on the Right. I'm not on left, your argument is wrong, Just like GW was wrong invading Iraq. 9 Billion a month for over 10 yrs. So tell me another lie about GW,,,what did do for America, besides the 4000 American families who lost their sons and daughters?
The Left can never admit to GW failures. They try to latch on to any bit of news that can GW in a positive light. Sad, but GW left the Right will very little positive to lean on. GW Cheney and gang lied, cheated, and killed many. GW can't even visit Foreign counties because of a bounty on his head. So he can write books (can't read them) about la la land. NO creditability, The World and most of the USA laugh about this nasty man. Cheney also. Right will always be in denial for the 8yrs they had the White House.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!