Mohamed Fahmy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mohamed Fahmy
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Fahmy in 2015
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| Born |
Mohamed Fadel Fahmy
April 27, 1974 Cairo, Egypt
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Journalist, author |
| Years active | 1999–present |
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Notable credit(s)
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CNN Freedom Project "Death in the Desert" "Egyptian Freedom Story" "Marriott Cell" |
Mohamed Fadel Fahmy (born April 27, 1974) is a Canadian journalist and author. He was born in Egypt. He has worked as a reporter in the Middle East and North Africa. He reported for major news groups like CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera English.
Fahmy became well-known for covering important events. These include the Iraq War in 2003 and the Arab Spring uprisings. In 2013, he became the Al Jazeera English Bureau Chief in Egypt. Later that year, he was arrested by Egyptian authorities. He was held with two other journalists, Peter Greste and Baher Mohamed.
They were accused of working with a terrorist group and spreading false news. In 2014, Fahmy was found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison. This decision caused a lot of international concern. Many people believed he was a political prisoner.
After a retrial and a long legal process, Fahmy was pardoned by the Egyptian President in September 2015. He later moved back to Canada. He now teaches at the University of British Columbia. He also wrote a book about his time in prison called The Marriott Cell.
Contents
A Journalist's Journey
Reporting from Conflict Zones
Mohamed Fahmy started his career in journalism in 1999. He covered the Iraq War in 2003 for the Los Angeles Times. He was one of the first reporters to enter Iraq when the war began. After this, he wrote his first book, Baghdad Bound.
For two years, he reported for Dubai Television. He created many segments for a talk show. This show focused on social issues in countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
In 2007, Fahmy worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Lebanon. He helped protect the rights of political prisoners and refugees.
Covering the Arab Spring
Fahmy played a key role in reporting on the Arab Spring. This was a series of protests and uprisings across Arab countries starting in 2011. He reported live from the protests in Egypt. He also traveled to Libya to cover the search for dictator Gaddafi.
In 2011, he received a Peabody Award with the CNN team. This award was for their excellent coverage of the Arab Spring. The next year, he won the Tom Renner Investigative Reporting award. This was for a documentary called "Death in the Desert." The film showed how criminal groups were illegally moving people from Africa to Israel.
Fahmy also co-authored a book called Egyptian Freedom Story. It is a photo book about the 2011 revolution in Egypt.
Arrest and Trial in Egypt
The Charges and Imprisonment
In September 2013, Fahmy became the Al Jazeera English Bureau Chief in Egypt. On December 29, 2013, he was arrested with his colleagues Peter Greste and Baher Mohamed. They were accused of working with a terrorist group. They were also accused of making up news to make Egypt look like it was in a civil war.
Fahmy spent time in a maximum-security prison. He faced difficult conditions. His arrest and trial drew worldwide attention. Many international news groups said the trial was unfair.
International Support and Appeals
Many people and organizations spoke out for Fahmy's release. The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, called the sentences "chilling." He said they were very harsh.
On May 3, 2014, Fahmy received the Canadian Commission World Press Freedom Award. This happened on World Press Freedom Day. He was even allowed to speak to the judge in court. He explained what journalism was about. He also reminded the judge that "the world is watching."
In January 2015, an Egyptian court ordered a retrial for Fahmy and his colleagues. Fahmy gave up his Egyptian citizenship in February 2015. He hoped this would allow him to be deported to Canada. His colleague Peter Greste was deported to Australia.
Release and Pardon
On February 12, 2015, Fahmy and Baher Mohamed were released on bail. Their retrial continued for several months. In August 2015, they were both sentenced to three years in prison.
However, on September 23, 2015, good news arrived. The Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, pardoned Fahmy and Baher Mohamed. This meant they were set free.
After his release, Fahmy returned to Canada. He began teaching at the University of British Columbia. He also decided to sue Al Jazeera English. He claimed they were negligent and caused him harm.
Journalism Awards
Mohamed Fahmy has received many awards for his work:
- Tom Renner Investigative Reporting Award in 2011. This was for his film "Death in the Desert."
- Peabody Award in 2011 for his work on CNN's Arab Spring coverage.
- Canadian Commission World Press Freedom Award in 2014.
- Royal Television Journalism Judges' Award in 2015.
- Australia's Voltaire award for free speech in 2015.
- International Association of Press Clubs Freedom of Speech Award in 2015.
- Writers Union of Canada: Freedom to Read Award in 2016.
- British Columbia Civil Liberties Association's Liberty Awards in 2016. These are for contributions to human rights.
Helping Others: The Fahmy Foundation
During his time in prison, Mohamed Fahmy started the Fahmy Foundation. This is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, Canada. Its goal is to help journalists, photographers, and other prisoners of conscience around the world. They provide support and advocate for their freedom.
The Fahmy Foundation has worked with groups like Amnesty International. They created a "Protection Charter." This document suggests ways for the Canadian government to better protect its citizens. It focuses on Canadians who face human rights problems in other countries.
See also
In Spanish: Mohamed Fahmy para niños
- Al Jazeera controversies and criticism
