Top Blogger Sentenced To Death Penalty
January 13th, 2008
Can you imagine if you did not have the freedom to write what you wanted? What would you do?
I have friends from all over the world who write online. Some of these people even live in places where you can be arrested for speaking out against the government or dominant religion.
image source: astorg
Unfortunately, I believe that it is only a matter of time before we see a real headline like the one above. Even more thought provoking, it might be a citizen of the particular country who has the sentence imposed upon him. Or, maybe it will be a traveler (tourist, backpacker, etc) who happens to have his or her laptop with them and posts what they believe to be a benign remark about the local culture. Not realizing that their blog post would lead to dire consequences.
When I had the idea for this post I figured I would Google “blogger sentenced to death penalty” just to see what came up and fortunately (at least according to Google) no one has been given the death penalty yet. While I was at it I thought, for good measure I should also Google “blogger arrested” and disturbingly enough it seems as though quite a few bloggers have been incarcerated. These were the top three results:
- Blogger arrested at Atlantica conference
- Greek blogger arrest infuriates world
- Dissident Saudi Blogger Is Arrested
So, I ask you -
- How do you feel about blogging freedom?
- Do you think we will see the day when a blogger is put to death for what he or she has written?
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January 13th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I think blogging should be an open uncontrolled environment. But then again I live in the United States.
Eventually someone will be put to death for their blogging, since it is a reflection of their opinions and in many countries people aren’t supposed to have their own opinions.
I also like how you put the “visitor” twist on it. I was offered a job in Saudi nearly 20 years ago and turned it down because of the multi-page list of rules and regulations I had to follow to work there. Basically I would have made great money with no personal freedom.
Keep up the great work I really enjoy your blog.
January 14th, 2008 at 6:14 am
Hi Stephen - when I was thinking about this question, one movie came to mind - Midnight Express.
Which is based on a true story about an American who tried to smuggle hash out of Turkey.
January 14th, 2008 at 7:58 am
I am positive that we will see the day when bloggers get arrested and tried for treason, apostasy, sedition, etc. The execution of a blogger will be “no big deal” in many countries where women are beaten for traveling unescorted with a man, and thieves get their hands chopped off.
I have the unfortunate feeling that it is not too far into the future. In fact, in response to Stephen above, those of us in the United States may soon have to register with the government for a blogger license if we don’t keep on top of things.
January 14th, 2008 at 10:25 am
There was a story on the CNN website a few days ago about a Chinese blogger being beaten to death by state officials.
I think its a fair bet we’ll see more of this sort of thing in repressive countries. Bloggers are about the only source of information in some situations, such as the attempted revolution in Burma recently. If they were willing to beat and kill monks, imagine what they’d do to bloggers.
The other possibility is that they’ll get the death penalty for non-blogging crimes. We’ve already had spree killers posting videos online and I’m sure there are a few criminals blogging about their activities.
January 14th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
HI Stephen - boy that would be scary (and creepy) if we had to register for a blogging license.
Hi Al - thanks for forwarding on that story. Scary stuff indeed!