The C.R.I.M.E. Report

ISSUE #13 CONTENTS:


SPOTLIGHT CASES:

Godfather of Saudi Blogging Arrested

On December 11, the Saudi Interior Ministry arrested, Fouad Al-Farhan, one of the Arab world's top bloggers. Fouad, age 32, was among the first Saudis to blog under his real name and has been an outspoken voice for nonviolent reform.

The Saudi Interior Ministry arrested the successful hi-tech entrepreneur at his office and seized his computers. The detainment came after Fouad refused to apologize for blog posts criticizing Saudi officials. Fouad remains held in an undisclosed location.

A father of two, Fouad advocates for greater openness in Saudi Arabia, hoping to build a better future for his young children. Please take a moment to help Fouad return to his family. Join with free-speech advocates around the world and send a letter to Saudi and American officials calling for Fouad's immediate release.



New Guide to Nonviolent Activism

Nonviolent reform movements have helped open up repressive societies around the world. Now, veterans of successful nonviolent activism have released a new free online guide to help train students in the essentials of organizing.

Published by the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies (CANVAS), the new handbook is called "A Guide to Effective Nonviolent Struggle." It "combines theoretical insights about nonviolent struggle with practical knowledge based on the authors' and activists' real world experience." Included are twenty lessons on theory, planning, and operations in nonviolent conflict.

"Nonviolent action is a realistic and effective way for ordinary people to fight for their rights, freedom, and justice," said the handbook's co-author Hardy Merriman. "We are trying to teach people concrete strategic planning skills and methods of analysis," he told The CRIME Report. "Wherever possible, we include real-world examples and participant exercises."

Download the handbook and see how its suggested strategies can be applied for nonviolent reform in the Middle East. If you are interested in attending a training seminar on nonviolence techniques, apply to the HAMSA Fellowship Program or email info@hamsaweb.org.



Eid Al-Adha Special: The Sanctity of Human Life

Nearly every week, headlines from across the region report terror bombings that claim the lives of innocent civilians. But, in honor of the celebration of Eid Al-Adha, HAMSA's Nasser Weddady has called for a strong campaign to counter the forces promoting bombings and so-called "honor killings." He recently published an editorial in the International Herald Tribune, which included the following section:

"…The climax of Eid al-Adha offers an unequivocal denunciation of human sacrifice, even when it appears divinely sanctioned. Indeed, although God himself seems to order the sacrifice of a human being, it is ultimately stopped. As Muslim families around the world gather for the traditional holiday lamb meal, they celebrate the rescue of Ismael and the unequivocal sanctity of human life. Eid al-Adha's profoundly moving message of redemption offers a strong and compelling argument to be wielded against the extremists who delight in human sacrifice."

Read the entire editorial. In honor of the New Year (both 2008 and 1429), we wish our readers a year of peace and freedom.

 

QUIZ: Stop the Presses!
What powerful black substance does the Algerian regime control? Hint: It's not oil. To curtail expression and independent media, the Algerian government owns all of the country's main printing presses and controls the supply of paper and ink. In other words, if you want to print a newspaper, you need to work with the government. By turning a basic item like ink into a precious commodity, the Algerian regime demonstrates how much it fears "unregulated" expression.

BECOME A PARTNER IN CRIME:
Here is a list of four quick ways you contribute to the Middle East civil rights movement: