The true heroes of Egypt

Some critics suggest that the Egyptian ex-pat community abandoned Egypt so what claim do we have to the country's political future? We don't know what is really going on over there as we continue following the news from the comforts of our homes in the West.   

When I have protested outside the Egyptian Embassy in London, it has been a protest without the fear that I will be terrorised, fired at with tear gas, shot at or intimidated. Yes it's true, I have felt safe in my right to express my opinion freely far away from the battle field of Tahrir. The same right should be given to Egyptian protestors in Egypt. 

Even if I have left Egypt, it does not change the fact that I am entitled to an opinion on the matter. I stand for the right to demonstrate without the fear of violence. I stand for democracy, peace, social justice, tolerance and political freedom. 

I extend my solidarity to our fellow Egyptians on the streets of Egypt. They are the true heroes of Egypt.

I do not claim to be a revolutionary. I do not wish to have any label. I merely wish to be seen as a fellow human citizen supporting a noble cause. The protestors have made a choice and I support them. I am not urging or inciting violence. I am only supporting peaceful democratic change and the right to express that opinion.

What can the ex-pat community do far way from the shores of the Mediterranean and the Nile?  We can raise awareness within the international community and we can actively seek support through political channels internationally to stop the violence against the protestors. Egyptians should not be terrorised or silenced.

If we all held hands and went out  in the streets of Cairo collectively, we would have a stronger voice. Until that happens, I urge my Egyptian friends to recognise that we are on the side of Egypt: for a better, free, tolerant, democratic Egypt.