Noura Ghazi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Noura Ghazi
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| Born | September 30, 1981 Damascus, Syria
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Bassel Khartabil
(m. 2013; |
Noura Ghazi (born September 30, 1981) is a brave Syrian lawyer and activist who works to protect human rights. She is known for her strong spirit and dedication to helping others. Her husband, Bassel Khartabil, was a computer expert and a leading activist who believed in free speech and democracy in Syria. He was arrested by the Syrian government in 2012 and sadly died while in government custody in 2015.
Contents
About Noura Ghazi
Early Life and Her Dream
Noura Ghazi learned about human rights problems at a young age. Her father, who spoke out against the government, was arrested when she was a child. She often visited him in Adra prison in Damascus and attended his court hearings. When she was only 12 years old, she made a promise to herself. She decided she would become a lawyer to defend people who were arrested for their beliefs. Noura studied law at Damascus University to achieve this dream.
A Love Story Amidst Conflict
Noura met Bassel Khartabil in April 2011 during a protest in Douma, Syria. They were both protesting against the strict rule of Bashar al-Assad. On March 15, 2012, Bassel was taken by the Syrian government and held at Adra Prison. Even with Bassel in prison, Noura and Bassel decided to get married. Their wedding happened during two prison visits in early 2013. First, they exchanged their vows. Then, during a second visit, Noura's uncle, who was also a lawyer, came along, and their marriage was officially approved.
After their wedding, Bassel was moved to an unknown place in October 2015. Rumors spread in November 2015 that he had been secretly sentenced to death. In August 2017, Noura learned the sad truth: Bassel had been killed by the Syrian government shortly after he disappeared in 2015. She still does not know what happened to his body. The story of Noura and Bassel became well-known among activists. They were often called The Bride and Groom of the Revolution.
Noura Ghazi's Important Work
Writing to Remember
Noura Ghazi wrote a special book called “Waiting.” It is a collection of poems and memories, like a journal and a love letter to her husband. The book has twenty-six poems that tell the story of their time together. It also shows how their lives changed as the Syrian revolution unfolded. Noura and Bassel worked on this book for over a year. Noura chose the texts, and she would take them to Bassel in prison during her visits. He would then translate them into English.
Fighting for Families
Noura is also a part of a group called Families for Freedom. This group started in 2017. It is the first group led by women that speaks up for Syrian people who have been arrested and their families. Many people who disappear in Syria are men. This means that women often have to deal with the difficulties of their absence.
Recognized for Her Efforts
In 2018, a group called Amnesty International recognized Noura Ghazi. They named her one of the "8 amazing women standing up for our rights." This shows how important her work is in fighting for justice and human rights around the world.
