Take Action and Support the Egyptian People

January 28, 2011 at 10:20 AM

Update: Tell US Government to press Egypt to rein in security forces

The number one request made by Egyptian activists of allies in other countries is to have their voice heard in solidarity at various Egyptian embassies and consulates.

It’s pretty hard to do when the Egyptian government has shut down the Internet in Egypt and its US embassy public email address isn’t functioning.

Protesters face police in Alexandria. Photography by : Ahmed Ramadan -- Clashes between demonstrators and Egyptian police in Alexandria, because of their opposition to the hereditary rule. They are showing their dissatisfaction with the intention of President Hosni Mubarak to hand over power to his son.

But allies around the United States are not remaining silent, and Amnesty members are looking to assist. With tens of thousands of Egyptians hitting the street across the country today on “Angry Friday,” this is an ideal moment to contact the embassy in the US to express our concerns:

1. For the Egyptian government to allow peaceful demonstrations and rein in their security forces to prevent further deaths and injuries to protestors. No official death total has been released, but the latest reports today have two women being killed when hit in the head by tear gas and another died in Tahir Square. That would bring an unofficial death toll over the past four days to over 10.  In one instance, Amnesty has learned that 22-year-old Ahmed Atef was killed yesterday in North Sinai when security forces in the town of Sheikh Zuweid opened fire on a crowd of more than 1000 demonstrators.

2. Independent legal observers count the number of detained as of Thursday at around 1,200 people.  Many more are being detained today.  These people must have immediate access to legal counsel, family members, be formally charged or release.  They must not be tortured or mistreated.

3. The government must cease all efforts to block the Internet, social media tools or impede the normal flow of communications. In addition, security forces must end reported assaults on numerous reporters, both Egyptian and foreign.  Such actions constitute an outrageous violation of the freedom of speech.

4. End the State of Emergency, which facilitates other human rights abuses such as unfair trials, prolonged administrative detention and the systematic use of torture.

Demonstrations have already been held in San Francisco, New York and DC.  AIUSA’s office has organized a rally outside the consulate in Chicago at noon Saturday, Jan. 29.  For more information on that rally, contact [email protected] and [email protected].  Information about other rallies will be posted as information is available.

But if you don’t live near a consulate, please call and call today to the Egyptian embassy.  Emails sent to its public address are bouncing back, but telephone is working. The address is 3521 International Ct. NW Washington DC 20008. Phone: 202.895.5400.  Fax: 202.244.4319.

A complete list of consulates can be found here.

Finally, there is also US government work to do.  We are receiving reports from Egypt that tear gas canisters and other weapons used against the protesters have been made in the United States.  It is imperative that the U.S. government investigate whether any of this material has been used in a manner that would violate the Leahy Law or other regulations that prohibit the use of US aid to violate human rights.

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80 thoughts on “Take Action and Support the Egyptian People”

  3. Pass the word please. We have been cut off the world. The sadist regime is trying to silence us. SOS to connect to the world again.

  14. Pass the word please. We have been cut off the world. The sadist regime is trying to silence us. SOS to connect to the world again.

  15. We’re gathering at the Zinn Centre in Four Bridges in the virtual world of Second Life http://www.secondlife.com for download. For those that can’t attend a protest but want to stand together with others, you can do that right from your computer.

    For more information:

    http://www.amnestyusa.org/take-action-online/connect-with-amnesty-online/amnesty-international-in-second-life/page.do?id=1531007

    Please contact me inworld and I can help you get here.

    millay Freschi

  21. Hi Geoffrey,

    I am following the events in Egypt and in the region and was wondering if you heard the comment made by Brooking's Institute Michael 'Hanlon on Fox today which, and I paraphrase, that the Egyptian government has been relatively 'soft' on dissenters. Ummm, that doesn't sound right. I am not taking sides in all of this to be honest. Options are limited if you ask me. Sorry I couldn't yet find the comment made by O'Hanlon. As expected, the Fox narrative is of course that Mubarak is better than the possibility of Muslims taking over the country and the region. Some things never change. Elsie

  22. It is refreshing to read about a cause AI is behind that I strongly support. It isn't always the case.

    Those in Egypt and throughout the Middle East deserve a representative government.

    I'm praying the people continue to stand up in places like Iran, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Jordan and on and on.

    Those seeds were already planted in Iraq and Afghanistan – the rest of the region is taking notice – and want a voice and a representative Gov't. Not a dictator.

  23. Give me the freedom or give me death we support our egyption ppl to get their freedom back and our message to them to stay on alart and keep going

    Go Egypt Go

  24. Hi Geoffrey,

    I am following the events in Egypt and in the region and was wondering if you heard the comment made by Brooking’s Institute Michael ‘Hanlon on Fox today which, and I paraphrase, that the Egyptian government has been relatively ‘soft’ on dissenters. Ummm, that doesn’t sound right. I am not taking sides in all of this to be honest. Options are limited if you ask me. Sorry I couldn’t yet find the comment made by O’Hanlon. As expected, the Fox narrative is of course that Mubarak is better than the possibility of Muslims taking over the country and the region. Some things never change. Elsie

  25. It is refreshing to read about a cause AI is behind that I strongly support. It isn’t always the case.

    Those in Egypt and throughout the Middle East deserve a representative government.

    I’m praying the people continue to stand up in places like Iran, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Jordan and on and on.

    Those seeds were already planted in Iraq and Afghanistan – the rest of the region is taking notice – and want a voice and a representative Gov’t. Not a dictator.

  26. For all the decades of Amnesty's existence, Amnesty has all but ignored the plight of 200 million Muslims living under repressive dictatorships. Instead Amnesty has spent ten times as much energy focusing on attacking Israel, Israel ironically being the only country in the middle east where Muslims have always had the basic freedoms these brave heroes are fighting and dying in the streets for tonight.

    These ideals of having free speech and free democratic elections, and having a clean government where corrupt thief politicians are caught and driven from office by independent police and judges.

    Where do you think they are coming from in the first place?

    In no small part they have have entered into the Arab consciousness from watching daily Al Jezeera reports about how well Israeli democracy functions. The Arabs have watched news reports each day for dozens of years of a thriving democracy right next door in Israel, with the freest press on earth, with dozens of Israeli political parties, from Arab Communist to Jewish Right all able to stand for election and state their views freely, of simple Israeli policemen and judges able to arrest and drive from office corrupt Israeli cabinet ministers, Israeli Prime ministers and even the Israeli President.

    And the Arab people, the Muslim people naturally ask themselves, why not us too? Don't we deserve the same democratic rights that Israelis have?

  27. Give me the freedom or give me death we support our egyption ppl to get their freedom back and our message to them to stay on alart and keep going

    Go Egypt Go

  28. I am from Iran & hope Egyption people achive freedom , Democracy & universal human rights. as of our experience in 1979 we achived freedem but not democracy & human rights & ended up to freedem for Islamic groups to kill democracy & human rights in iran .please be carefull do not make the same mistake. keep the freedom of religion a personal issue . womens rights who are half of the whole population is vital to achive human rights as well as freedom of expresion.

  30. For all the decades of Amnesty’s existence, Amnesty has all but ignored the plight of 200 million Muslims living under repressive dictatorships. Instead Amnesty has spent ten times as much energy focusing on attacking Israel, Israel ironically being the only country in the middle east where Muslims have always had the basic freedoms these brave heroes are fighting and dying in the streets for tonight.

    These ideals of having free speech and free democratic elections, and having a clean government where corrupt thief politicians are caught and driven from office by independent police and judges.

    Where do you think they are coming from in the first place?

    In no small part they have have entered into the Arab consciousness from watching daily Al Jezeera reports about how well Israeli democracy functions. The Arabs have watched news reports each day for dozens of years of a thriving democracy right next door in Israel, with the freest press on earth, with dozens of Israeli political parties, from Arab Communist to Jewish Right all able to stand for election and state their views freely, of simple Israeli policemen and judges able to arrest and drive from office corrupt Israeli cabinet ministers, Israeli Prime ministers and even the Israeli President.

    And the Arab people, the Muslim people naturally ask themselves, why not us too? Don’t we deserve the same democratic rights that Israelis have?

  31. I am from Iran & hope Egyption people achive freedom , Democracy & universal human rights. as of our experience in 1979 we achived freedem but not democracy & human rights & ended up to freedem for Islamic groups to kill democracy & human rights in iran .please be carefull do not make the same mistake. keep the freedom of religion a personal issue . womens rights who are half of the whole population is vital to achive human rights as well as freedom of expresion.

  33. ll the Algerian people praying for you dear brothers Egyptians be strong. We pray for you

  34. Thanks for this informative blog posting on what solidarity actions can be taken by those outside Egypt. I have linked this post on my blog entry at humanrightsangle.com.

  35. judonihm
    It's a short message for you :
    What can you say us about the wall of shame???? is it…………………………..

  36. ll the Algerian people praying for you dear brothers Egyptians be strong. We pray for you

  37. message for milasfis:

    The wall of shame????

    Which "wall of shame" exactly do you mean ?

    Are you talking about the 20 kilometer long, steel wall the Egyptian dictator Mubarak built between the border of Gaza and Egypt, where Egyptian Army soldiers have for many years shot and killed any Gaza Palestinians who try to enter Egypt, where Egyptian Army soldiers have for years prevented humanitarian supplies, food, medicine, from entering Gaza ?

    Is this the "wall of shame" that you talk about?

  38. Everything ██is█████ ████ ████fine ███ █ ████ love. ████ █████ the ███ Egypt ███ ████ government ██ #egypt #censorship #anon

    Tear Gas In Egypt MADE IN USA

  39. Thanks for this informative blog posting on what solidarity actions can be taken by those outside Egypt. I have linked this post on my blog entry at humanrightsangle.com.

  40. judonihm
    It’s a short message for you :
    What can you say us about the wall of shame???? is it…………………………..

  41. Mubarak is in a desperate situation. While his people are pushing him to resign; his 1.4000.000 m. militaries have taken Cairo streets.
    Despite he would like to make continuous efforts of stabilizing relations, eventually reaching peace, stability and security in the Egypt land, his efforts are now useless.
    He has destroyed million People’s hope for decades that finally have raised a storm of protest in his country and thankfully around the world.
    The Egyptian people are known for being peaceful and humble, but after dictatorships decades, now in the era of globalization and communication, like any other dictatorships they have said enough, and there is no going back.
    It will not help anything to cut off communication at home in a city where almost live 20,000,000 millions against 1,400,000 military. Most of the population is concentrated in Cairo.
    The government has been overthrown –and Mubarack must cede his domain to civilian and resign with dignity.
    The Egyptian people do not deserve to spill more blood in their streets and military know, they are part of the town.
    The most important thing that certainly the United States and other countries have to understand is to urge that whatever happens, however the dispute is resolved, that it be resolved peacefully
    Our History must change, it’s time to learn from our mistakes and forget the war and violence. I believe that in the end the abolition of war, the maintenance of world peace, the adjustment of international questions by pacific means will come through the force of public opinion, which controls nations and peoples.
    The evolution and Peace in Egypt, is now in the hands of the whole world.

  42. message for milasfis:

    The wall of shame????

    Which “wall of shame” exactly do you mean ?

    Are you talking about the 20 kilometer long, steel wall the Egyptian dictator Mubarak built between the border of Gaza and Egypt, where Egyptian Army soldiers have for many years shot and killed any Gaza Palestinians who try to enter Egypt, where Egyptian Army soldiers have for years prevented humanitarian supplies, food, medicine, from entering Gaza ?

    Is this the “wall of shame” that you talk about?

  43. Everything ██is█████ ████ ████fine ███ █ ████ love. ████ █████ the ███ Egypt ███ ████ government ██ #egypt #censorship #anon

    Tear Gas In Egypt MADE IN USA

  44. May we in the world bear witness to whatever supports Egypt's people in their struggle for just and fair change in their own society, peacefully, and by their own means.

    It is hard, not being Muslim nor Arab to know what are the best means for cultural change that truly help those there. We can only watch,. though I do pray for peaceful methods to be used.

  45. Mubarak is in a desperate situation. While his people are pushing him to resign; his 1.4000.000 m. militaries have taken Cairo streets.
    Despite he would like to make continuous efforts of stabilizing relations, eventually reaching peace, stability and security in the Egypt land, his efforts are now useless.
    He has destroyed million People’s hope for decades that finally have raised a storm of protest in his country and thankfully around the world.
    The Egyptian people are known for being peaceful and humble, but after dictatorships decades, now in the era of globalization and communication, like any other dictatorships they have said enough, and there is no going back.
    It will not help anything to cut off communication at home in a city where almost live 20,000,000 millions against 1,400,000 military. Most of the population is concentrated in Cairo.
    The government has been overthrown –and Mubarack must cede his domain to civilian and resign with dignity.
    The Egyptian people do not deserve to spill more blood in their streets and military know, they are part of the town.
    The most important thing that certainly the United States and other countries have to understand is to urge that whatever happens, however the dispute is resolved, that it be resolved peacefully
    Our History must change, it’s time to learn from our mistakes and forget the war and violence. I believe that in the end the abolition of war, the maintenance of world peace, the adjustment of international questions by pacific means will come through the force of public opinion, which controls nations and peoples.
    The evolution and Peace in Egypt, is now in the hands of the whole world.

  46. May we in the world bear witness to whatever supports Egypt’s people in their struggle for just and fair change in their own society, peacefully, and by their own means.

    It is hard, not being Muslim nor Arab to know what are the best means for cultural change that truly help those there. We can only watch,. though I do pray for peaceful methods to be used.

  47. U.S.A. have suportd this goverment for 3 decades, and hwen teh people go against they turn around. Like whid Sadam Hussain.

  48. U.S.A. have suportd this goverment for 3 decades, and hwen teh people go against they turn around. Like whid Sadam Hussain.

  51. People of Egypt and the world, many Americans support your struggle and the struggle of all of our brothers in North Africa and the world for freedom!

  52. People of Egypt and the world, many Americans support your struggle and the struggle of all of our brothers in North Africa and the world for freedom!

  53. somali people pray for you egyptians keep fighting brothers and sisters your dream is about to arrive soon….no more dictatorship

  54. somali people pray for you egyptians keep fighting brothers and sisters your dream is about to arrive soon….no more dictatorship

  55. As I watch on TV the unfolding drama on the streets across Egypt I am overcome by several emotions. I'm am in awe of the courage of the Egyptian people. I have fiends here in Denver that wrote a song that was mixed with recent pictures of Egypt. I pray and hope that your struggle will bare fruit as a just and fair democracy. Your future is up to you. God I am proud of all of you.

  56. As I watch on TV the unfolding drama on the streets across Egypt I am overcome by several emotions. I’m am in awe of the courage of the Egyptian people. I have fiends here in Denver that wrote a song that was mixed with recent pictures of Egypt. I pray and hope that your struggle will bare fruit as a just and fair democracy. Your future is up to you. God I am proud of all of you.

  57. COURAGE COURAGE THE WORLD IS WITH YOU DEAR BROTHERS EGYPTIANS. ALWAYS WITH YOU BEFORE GOD AND WILL reward you. DO YOU THINK THE YEARS 90. YOUR ALGERIAN BROTHER WHO HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE. BODIES AND SOULS WE ARE WITH YOU.
    GOD BE WITH YOU

  58. COURAGE COURAGE THE WORLD IS WITH YOU DEAR BROTHERS EGYPTIANS. ALWAYS WITH YOU BEFORE GOD AND WILL reward you. DO YOU THINK THE YEARS 90. YOUR ALGERIAN BROTHER WHO HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE. BODIES AND SOULS WE ARE WITH YOU.
    GOD BE WITH YOU

  59. Pass the word. The criminal regime in Egypt is making a crackdown against the activists of human rights today.

  60. Mubarak is playing with fire; the road to democratic transition should have been by peaceful means, why haven’t they reached a political agreement yet?
    The Amnesty’s members arrest, it will only create him more enemies.
    Why is he ignoring the requests of some of his people, it is convenient bury the hatchet and reach a political agreement between the old regime and opposition. The events are being less than desirable for either side.
    If there is no already peace, things could be really dramatic and one of these days a further explosion of violence will end by a civil war.
    That would be a disaster a real tragedy for a so complicated town and also all countries that are surrounding Egypt.

  61. Pass the word. The criminal regime in Egypt is making a crackdown against the activists of human rights today.

  62. Mubarak is playing with fire; the road to democratic transition should have been by peaceful means, why haven’t they reached a political agreement yet?
    The Amnesty’s members arrest, it will only create him more enemies.
    Why is he ignoring the requests of some of his people, it is convenient bury the hatchet and reach a political agreement between the old regime and opposition. The events are being less than desirable for either side.
    If there is no already peace, things could be really dramatic and one of these days a further explosion of violence will end by a civil war.
    That would be a disaster a real tragedy for a so complicated town and also all countries that are surrounding Egypt.

  65. Amnesty International USA Western Regional Office in San Francisco will host a rally in solidarity with the people in Egypt in front of the Egyptian Consulate Offices, this Saturday, February 12, from 1:00-3:00pm in San Francisco on Van Ness Avenue and Post Street.

    Please join us in San Francisco in solidarity with other Amnesty International rallies in New York, Washington DC, Houston, Chicago, London and many other city around the world.

    Saturday's rally will involve speeches from two Egyptian-American students of the University of San Francisco, as well as political theatre and spoken world to amplify the voices of the protesters in Egypt.

    Amnesty International does not take a position on any political party, agenda or ideology in Egypt, and we are not calling for regime change. Instead, focuses on the human rights violations which have followed the crackdown on peaceful protests.

    Amnesty International believes protesters must have the right to organize protests and demonstrate free from intimidation, violence, and the threat of arbitrary detention and prosecution.

    If this is an event you would like to support, we ask that your organization spread the word to local organizations and we highly encourage you to join us in our solidarity movement with the people of Egypt.

    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (415) 288-1800.

    Respectfully,
    http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=17870967217…

  66. Amnesty International USA Western Regional Office in San Francisco will host a rally in solidarity with the people in Egypt in front of the Egyptian Consulate Offices, this Saturday, February 12, from 1:00-3:00pm in San Francisco on Van Ness Avenue and Post Street.

    Please join us in San Francisco in solidarity with other Amnesty International rallies in New York, Washington DC, Houston, Chicago, London and many other city around the world.

    Saturday's rally will involve speeches from two Egyptian-American students of the University of San Francisco, as well as political theatre and spoken world to amplify the voices of the protesters in Egypt.

    Amnesty International does not take a position on any political party, agenda or ideology in Egypt, and we are not calling for regime change. Instead, focuses on the human rights violations which have followed the crackdown on peaceful protests.

    Amnesty International believes protesters must have the right to organize protests and demonstrate free from intimidation, violence, and the threat of arbitrary detention and prosecution.

    If this is an event you would like to support, we ask that your organization spread the word to local organizations and we highly encourage you to join us in our solidarity movement with the people of Egypt.

    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (415) 288-1800.

    Respectfully,
    http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=17870967217…

  67. Amnesty International USA Western Regional Office in San Francisco will host a rally in solidarity with the people in Egypt in front of the Egyptian Consulate Offices, this Saturday, February 12, from 1:00-3:00pm in San Francisco on Van Ness Avenue and Post Street.

    Please join us in San Francisco in solidarity with other Amnesty International rallies in New York, Washington DC, Houston, Chicago, London and many other city around the world.

    Saturday's rally will involve speeches from two Egyptian-American students of the University of San Francisco, as well as political theatre and spoken world to amplify the voices of the protesters in Egypt.

    Amnesty International does not take a position on any political party, agenda or ideology in Egypt, and we are not calling for regime change. Instead, focuses on the human rights violations which have followed the crackdown on peaceful protests.

    Amnesty International believes protesters must have the right to organize protests and demonstrate free from intimidation, violence, and the threat of arbitrary detention and prosecution.

    If this is an event you would like to support, we ask that your organization spread the word to local organizations and we highly encourage you to join us in our solidarity movement with the people of Egypt.

    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (415) 288-1800.

    Respectfully,
    http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=17870967217…

  68. Yes, dear John Smith, Egypt is located in the most beautiful, unusual, mysterious brave and kind continent. the best continent around the world.
    Time to Go back to the School and study geography and history.

  69. Amnesty International USA Western Regional Office in San Francisco will host a rally in solidarity with the people in Egypt in front of the Egyptian Consulate Offices, this Saturday, February 12, from 1:00-3:00pm in San Francisco on Van Ness Avenue and Post Street.

    Please join us in San Francisco in solidarity with other Amnesty International rallies in New York, Washington DC, Houston, Chicago, London and many other city around the world.

    Saturday’s rally will involve speeches from two Egyptian-American students of the University of San Francisco, as well as political theatre and spoken world to amplify the voices of the protesters in Egypt.

    Amnesty International does not take a position on any political party, agenda or ideology in Egypt, and we are not calling for regime change. Instead, focuses on the human rights violations which have followed the crackdown on peaceful protests.

    Amnesty International believes protesters must have the right to organize protests and demonstrate free from intimidation, violence, and the threat of arbitrary detention and prosecution.

    If this is an event you would like to support, we ask that your organization spread the word to local organizations and we highly encourage you to join us in our solidarity movement with the people of Egypt.

    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (415) 288-1800.

    Respectfully,

    http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178709672172927#!/event.php?eid=178709672172927

  70. Yes, dear John Smith, Egypt is located in the most beautiful, unusual, mysterious brave and kind continent. the best continent around the world.
    Time to Go back to the School and study geography and history.

  71. All my congratulations for the brave Egyptian nation hope that this will continue throughout the Arab nation
    We hope that the road will continue until our civilization will resume its place djazeera el El Arabia
    Écouter
    Lire phonétiquement
    Dictionnaire – Afficher le dictionnairenom0.wholeadjectif0.all0.any0.every0.entire0.most importantadverbe0.very0.in all0.all uppronom0.anything

  72. All my congratulations for the brave Egyptian nation hope that this will continue throughout the Arab nation
    We hope that the road will continue until our civilization will resume its place djazeera el El Arabia

  73. All my congratulations for the brave Egyptian nation hope that this will continue throughout the Arab nation
    We hope that the road will continue until our civilization will resume its place djazeera el El Arabia
    Écouter
    Lire phonétiquement
    Dictionnaire – Afficher le dictionnairenom0.wholeadjectif0.all0.any0.every0.entire0.most importantadverbe0.very0.in all0.all uppronom0.anything

  74. All my congratulations for the brave Egyptian nation hope that this will continue throughout the Arab nation
    We hope that the road will continue until our civilization will resume its place djazeera el El Arabia

  75. Congratulations on your freedom. Now stick together regardless of race, relgion or politics and be prepared to work hard together. You will have ups and downs but focus on what you want in the end Freedom. God Bless you from the USA.

  76. Congratulations on your freedom. Now stick together regardless of race, relgion or politics and be prepared to work hard together. You will have ups and downs but focus on what you want in the end Freedom. God Bless you from the USA.

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