One year after, the government has not charged me with any crimes or presented any evidence that I committed wrongdoings whatsoever. I was absolutely targeted for what I represent, which is a student movement that erupted against the U.S. support for Israel.
Fifteen years ago, Egyptians from all walks of life took to the street to demand "bread, freedom, social justice." They were protesting the oppressive 30-year rule of Hosni Mubarak. Egypt had been under martial law for 31 years. This meant that political opposition was silenced, and opponents were often imprisoned and tortured. Police brutality was the norm. Egypt's economy was also weak and relied heavily on foreign aid and loans from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.