Syria: Razan Ghazzawi Charged, Bloggers Continue Campaign
This post is part of our special coverage Syria Protests 2011.
Eight days after her arrest, Razan Ghazzawi has been charged, according to an article from the Lebanese Daily Star, which reports:
According to her lawyers, Razan has been charged with “establishing an organization that aims to change the social and economical entity of the state” and “weakening the national sentiment, and trying to ignite sectarian strife” and “weakening national sentiment” — all of which can lead to a penalty of three to 15 years in prison.
On Twitter, supporters had strong reactions to the charges. Syrian blogger @anasqtiesh wrote:
The logo of the global Free Razan campaign
@anasqtiesh: The charges against Razan Ghazzawi are a farce. Just like everything else the Syrian regime does. #FreeRazan #Syria
@anasqtiesh: “weakening the national sentiment, and trying to ignite sectarian strife” Should be charges against Assad. #Syria #FreeRazan
Al Jazeera journalist Dima Khatib was similarly dismayed:
I am very sad to read the news about @RedRazan being charged with “crimes”.. Razan is not a criminal. Razan is a freedom fighter #FreeRazan
Karl Sharro was angered by the charges, but especially by one in particular, writing:
But “trying to ignite sectarian strife” is more offensive than anything. Razan is very dedicated to anti-sectarianism. #freeRazan
Global Voices author Laura Vidal, from Venezuela, wrote:
When a government silences a blogger it proves him/her right #FreeRazan
Solidarity campaigns in support of Razan continue. Palestinian blogger Abir Kopty tweeted:
Palestinian bloggers are working on a statement calling to #Freerazan and all Syrian political prisoners. #Syria
A Facebook page is being used to coordinate campaign efforts, while the #freerazan hashtag is used by supporters on Twitter to share updates.
This post is part of our special coverage Syria Protests 2011.
7 comments
This is normal in syria those days. anyone who get arrrested get the exact same charges then get released. the time people spend in jails depend on how much the gov want to shut them down but it can not be longer than 4 month.
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.