On April 29, social media began circulating a handwritten note by Baher Mohamed, one of the Al Jazeera journalists being held on terrorism charges by the Egyptian government. In the text smuggled out of prison, he thanks the worldwide movement agitating for his release and that of his colleagues. It is heartening proof that the efforts of the Overseas Press Club and other organizations have provided some encouragement for our friends in detention. It is also, however, sobering evidence that much more needs to be done to convince Cairo to set them free.
Following is a transcription of Mohamed’s handwritten message. #FreeAJStaff
Dear Members of one of the world’s oldest professions…
I’m writing this letter from behind bars—the place I was sent simply for practicing the only profession I know and love.
I want to let you know that I’m truly proud to be a journalist, but also proud to be a member of the global media community.
I’d like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the extraordinary efforts of the campaigners who are fighting for freedom of expression and the release of the three of us—“Peter, Fahmy, and Baher”. Every time I hear of all that is being done for us, I feel humbled. But it also makes me confident that the fight for freedom of expression will never be abandoned.
I want to let all the journalists, activists and individuals demanding the end of our detention that what you are doing strengthens us, touching our hearts and raising our spirits. I want you to know that nothing in this world will break us. I know that after this experience, I’ll be stronger, always seeking the truth, confident that whatever happens, we’ve got each other’s backs.
When I was covering the conflict in Libya, I came to see that journalists are not just reporting the news-they are truth seekers, diplomats of fact, the fighters of right. What we do is a noble job that carries great responsibility-we are truly enlightening the world with our reporting. Imagine for a moment what would happen if we stopped working with courage, if we abandoned our integrity, gave up our independence and freedom. It would leave the world a far more ignorant place, with dictators free to take advantage and flourish.
I want to offer my thanks to Al Jazeera first for giving me a chance to join the Cairo team and also for the support to my family at this difficult time.
I learned my profession with the Japanese where the highest expression of gratitude is a bow. So, I want to bow before all those who are fighting for freedom of expression, a free press, and an end to our detention.
Baher Mohammed