InnaLillahi Wa inna Ilahi Raji'unHamid Tehrani at Global Voices Online brings the tragic news that a jailed Iranian blogger, Omid Reza Misayafi, has died. It seems that he may have committed suicide. Apart from the personal tragedy his family must now grapple with, his death is another step backwards for the universal right of free speech. Misayafi's death will have a chilling effect on Iranian voices online, who provide an essential outlet for the cause of reform and moderation.
IRAN: A Nation Of Bloggers from ayrakus on Vimeo.
I wish I had something more profound to say, but all I can do is offer a dua (prayer) for those Iranian bloggers that remain in Iranian prisons - notably Hoder Derakshan, arrested last November, who is by many accounts the father of the Iranian blogsphere.
Related - Facebook page calling for Iran to be held responsible for Misayafi's death. Also see excellent coverage at ReadWriteWeb by Marshall Kirkpatrick.
UPDATE - badge courtesy of the Committee to Protect Bloggers. You can follow them on twitter at @cpb.
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May he find peace and relief from this life.
It's a shame that this even had to happen but all over the world and in our country too, to maintain power, people will do anything or vilify anyone to keep their power.
be at peace, Hamid.
I offer my condolences and this thought..
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
Kahili Gibhran
Islam - the so called religion of peace - claims another death for the glory of its founder and allah.
Mr. Z, please go and learn what Islam is really about before making ignorant comments.
@"me", Iran is one of the most Islamic nations in the world, Iran's culture, politics, and justice system are based on Islamic culture, Islamic politics and Islamic justice. It was this culture, these politics and this justice system that killed Mr Misayafi for the 'crime' of free speech.
You have to get past the denial stage before you can address the problem.
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