Rallies will be held around the world on November 6th to protest the imprisonment of a young Egyptian blogger who was arrested two years ago for criticizing Egypt’s Al-Azhar University. From noon until 1:30 p.m., there will be a vigil held at the Egyptian Mission to the U.N. at 304 East 44th St to challenge the arrest and turn an unreported story of press repression into one that will receive global attention.

Abdul Kareem Nabeel Suleiman– better known by his blogging name, Kareem Amer—was the first Egyptian to be prosecuted for internet journalism. His articles criticize the religious university Al-Azhar as being “one of Egypt’s important producers of terrorism,” and discuss the importance of freedom. He is a rare sample of a free thinker living in a sheltered society, and his release would be a major milestone for online journalism and freedom of expression as a whole.

Whether or not you agree with Amer’s beliefs, he has the right to express them. So show your support for Kareem Amer and help shed light on a story that’s been neatly tucked away and nearly forgotten.

Want to know more about the rally? visit freekareem.org or email Anna Kushner, the event’s organizer at anna@pen.org.

Photo: Flickr courtesy of DC Photos.