Urgent! Egyptian activist arrested from HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST 30MAR11

PLEASE sign the petition from Human Rights First in support of and calling for the release of Maikel Nabil Sanad in Egypt. His arrest and trial on 31 MAR 11 for insulting the military in Egypt is a violation of his human rights and a threat to the progress Egypt has made since the overthrow of mubarak. The international community can not tolerate a return to the repressive tactics of the former mubarak government. Click the link to participate....

A critic of the military has been detained by the military. Repression may not be over in Egypt. Stand up for Egyptian activists at risk! We have just heard that an Egyptian activist is to stand trial in a military court TOMORROW—for "insulting the military institution" and other charges. Maikel Nabil Sanad called out abuses by the military—and is now facing up to three years in prison for it. Sign our petition to support Maikel and other Egyptian activists at risk. There are reports the military is carrying out arbitrary arrests and torture, and subjecting women to 'virginity tests.' Maikel was calling attention to the military's abuse of power, and now he's been arrested by the military police. Surprise surprise. We could have hoped with the revolution, repression came to an end in Egypt. But since the military has taken over power in Egypt, there are continuing and serious concerns about how they are dealing with dissent. That's why Human Rights First is bringing prominent Egyptian activist Esraa Abdel Fattah to meet with U.S. officials next week—so she can tell them how to make sure real change comes to Egypt. We need to ensure that the U.S. supports the people, not the autocrats, in Egypt and the broader region. Next week, Esraa will meet with dozens of policy and opinion makers—and you can join her by adding your signature to our petition. We'll hand deliver it to the officials we meet and get it in the hands of the authorities in Cairo themselves. We cannot stand aside while activists continue to be detained merely for voicing dissent. Stand up with Egyptian activists—sign our petition. Thank you for supporting Maikel, Esraa, and the countless other activists who have been calling for freedom in Egypt for years and continue to do so today. Sincerely, Brian Dooley Director, Human Rights Defenders Program

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