Recently, Amnesty International and other student organizations and individuals have been loudly advocating in support of the pro-democracy revolts happening across the Middle East. From Morocco to Bahrain, protestors have sought the support of the entire world, especially the West, which has dubbed itself as the promoter and protector of freedom and democracy.
Though the United States government has not done enough to aid the Arab pro-democracy activists, students at Webster University have been actively seeking the attention of local government representatives and raised awareness of the issue here on campus.
The Journal, in support of freedom of speech and democracy, applauds the efforts of those students who are trying to raise awareness on the Middle East crisis. A crisis in which hundreds of journalists have been censured, imprisoned and tortured, most notably, American CBS journalist Lara Logan who suffered “a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating,” according to a CBS article.
Although this crime, and many others, may go unpunished, they will not go unnoticed, thanks, in part, to the activists at Webster and elsewhere.
“I am here to show support for all nations and people who are risking their own lives in the Middle East so they can have a taste of freedom,” said Khaled Hamid, an Egyptian-American doctor who was invited as a guest speaker by the Amnesty International club on campus.
Hamid talked to the audience on Feb. 23 about the importance of young people’s support for the Middle East.
“Just reading people’s status on Facebook helps you to not feel alone,” Hamid said. “Any sign of support fills the people with strength. Young people were the heart and the initial muscles of the movement.”
Webster students have not only updated their Facebook statuses, but also physically shown support at different rallies in St. Louis; one in front of Senator Claire McCaskill’s headquarters and another in front of the old courthouse building.
The Journal applauds those who were there and those who stand not just for democracy in the Middle East but for freedom and equality everywhere in the world.
The words “Global Citizen,” should not only be a motto, but also become a way of life in which all students are aware of what is happening in the world around them.
“What happened in Egypt is nothing short of miraculous,” Hamid said. “I think that is a great message to all of us. If we all take up a tiny bit of a chance to be out there and try to do something, we collectively will be able to get people’s will to be the reality.”
The Journal contiues to support those who actively fight for human rights. It is the obligation of all Global Citizens.
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