The Faces of Hope campaign, launched by OMCT, aims to shine a light on the stories of human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily detained around the world. Faces of Hope has helped secure the release of several defenders, including Ibrahim, an Egyptian human rights defender who shares his story with us and continues to inspire hope and resilience among those who fight for human rights every day despite repression and isolation. In this interview, Ibrahim reflects on his experience in detention, the crucial role of public campaigns, and the importance of continuing to speak out, even when everything seems designed to enforce silence.
What does the Faces of Hope campaign mean to you?
Faces of Hope represents hope, sharing, and remembrance. Hope, because it gave me strength again after prison. Sharing, because it allows us to tell the stories of our hardships and our victories. And remembrance, because it reminds us that no one is forgotten. It is something deeply human.
Why are public campaigns like this so important?
When I was in prison, I often wondered whether my case had been forgotten. Knowing that people outside are speaking about you is vital. Campaigns like Faces of Hope tell prisoners, “You are not alone.” They break the silence and remind you that someone is working for your freedom.
What does the OMCT and partners’ SOS-Defenders platform contribute?
A voice. That is what prisoners need most. SOS-Defenders makes it possible to tell the stories that dictatorships want to hide. Like Faces of Hope, it keeps hope alive and ensures that people continue to speak out.
How did your detention change your commitment?
Torture broke me physically, but it strengthened my determination. I knew that once I was released, I had to keep going. The government wants us to be afraid; I chose instead to speak out even more loudly, especially on behalf of those who are still behind bars.
Why are there so many arbitrary arrests in Egypt?
The laws are at the heart of the problem. They allow anyone to be arrested without legitimate grounds. I myself was the victim of an enforced disappearance for six months, without a single charge ever being brought against me. These laws are used to silence people, not to protect them.
How can this be brought to an end?
By maintaining pressure. We must keep speaking out and exposing these abuses, just as Faces of Hope does. And the international community must put pressure on regimes that violate human rights. Respect for human rights cannot be negotiated.
Your message to the international community?
Do not forget Egypt’s prisoners. Keep speaking about them and refuse to compromise. Every word matters. Thanks to campaigns like Faces of Hope, we keep the light on in the darkest places.
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 