Calling back ‘Sandmonkey’
Waking up this morning to news that Egyptian blogger ‘Sandmonkey’ – to whom I had spoken about eight hours earlier on Skype – was arrested after my interview with him was posted sent shock waves of guilt through me. Was I relieved to hear that he was released after a couple of hours, even though his cellphone was supposedly confiscated and his car destroyed.
Out of curiosity I again dialed S’s Cairo number on Skype. Who knows – I might have gotten a Mubarak thug. Didn’t happen. What I did get was a recorded message – in Arabic and English – telling me that this number was not answering and to “try again later.” Somehow I’m skeptical.
My best wishes to ‘Sandmonkey”, and my condolences on the loss of his car, his cell phone and, temporarily, his freedom.
To Mr. Simon – There is no reason for you to feel guilt for enabling the blogger named ‘Sandmonkey’ to reach a wider audience. It is his desire to communicate to people outside of Egypt, and you have facilitated this. In fact, by increasing his visibility, you may have contributed to his speedy release, as it is clear the regime seeks to avoid bad international press wherever possible.
I look forward to further updates as they become available. Thank you.
I agree completely with Robert; Roger, there’s no need to feel guilty. I’m very happy you posted this interview; I’ve been a reader of Sandmonkey’s for about 5 years now and his blog was the first place I went to when the protests began…..I have been anxious to hear from him since his last posting.
Good luck to the people of Egypt! I hope “actual” freedom is in their near future.
I sincerely do hope sandmonkey is back now with a mobile, car and all other communication devices without any opposing force strangling his voice for the people he so sacrifices his life for…
Yet, I fear since there has been no word from sandmonkey since his release following his capture and he must be in a difficult position now…
His rights to the freedom of speech has thus been denied…
We, can only pray, hope and wait for in time change would eventually come for everyone…
GOD BLESS