Writers in prison

The acquittal of Professor Sa'd ad-Din Ibrahim was a litmus test for democracy in the Arab world. Ibrahim had challenged President Hosni Mubarak on Egypt's absurdly flawed electoral record and on plans to pass the succession to Mubarak's son Gamal. Ibrahim had also championed the rights of the minority Copts and encouraged Islamists to work within the system at a time when the regime is holding 16,000, mostly Islamist, political prisoners. He suffered several strokes during 14 months of incarceration, trials and appeals. His case drew huge international support and the court of cassation (high court) seemed about to acquit him on 4 February. The postponement of the verdict to 18 March fuelled anxiety that the government was trying to hide the verdict in the Iraqi fog of war. In fact, the surprise acquittal preceded the war, allowing Ibrahim to seek medical treatment abroad.

English PEN's International Writers' Day is on 7 June at Senate House, University of London. Info: 020 7713 0023; www.englishpen.org/events

Post your comment

Please note: you will need to login or register before you can comment on the website