Nabihah Iqbal (formerly known as Throwing Shade) has shared a note of support for Azza Soliman, the Egyptian feminist who risks her own safety and freedom to defend survivors of abuse in Egypt.
Having spent six months working as a human rights lawyer in South Africa, it’s a cause which resonated with Iqbal.
Prominent lawyer Azza Soliman has dedicated her life to defending victims of torture, arbitrary detention, domestic abuse, and rape. The authorities have responded to Azza’s courageous work by labelling her a ‘spy’ and a ‘threat’ to national security. She has been put under surveillance, targeted by smear campaigns, and harassed by security forces and pro-government media outlets.
Azza now faces three trumped-up charges: tax evasion, operating a civil society organisation without proper registration, and slandering Egypt’s image and reputation by claiming Egyptian women are at risk of rape. Her assets have been frozen and she is banned from travelling. If found guilty, Azza faces imprisonment.
Iqbal’s note comes as part of Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign – encouraging individuals to write messages of support and solidarity to those whose basic human rights are being attacked.
Read her letter below and write your own letter to Soliman here. Find out more about the Write for Rights campaign here.
Dear Azza,
You are an inspiration to all of us women around the world, and please don’t forget that, even in these hard times. It is so important to stand up for what you believe in, especially as a woman defending women – our rights have been compromised in nearly every country around the world, time and time again. We need people like you to fight battles in order to get women the rights and respect they deserve. Please stay positive, and know that there are many, many people in Egypt and beyond who support you.
Yours,
Nabihah
We’re excited to be a part of the #AmnestyCollective