Living Archive · Write-a-letter · Solidarity letter

Speak up for Ahmed Douma.

This letter is tailored to Ahmed Douma's case archetype — solidarity letter. The opening, framing, and demands change with the situation (a defender in exile, a killed defender, a defender on a watchlist, and a defender in pretrial detention require different asks). Edit as needed, then send from your personal address.

Editable draft · letter to authorities

Your Excellency,

I am writing to demand the immediate release of Ahmed Douma, Writer, poet and revolutionary activist, currently detained in Egypt since 3 December 2013, and an end to all reprisals tied to this case.

Egyptian writer and central figure of the January 25 revolution. Pardoned by President al-Sisi in August 2023 after nearly ten years in prison; re-detained on fresh false-news charges in September 2025.

I respectfully urge your authorities to:
  1. Release Ahmed Douma immediately and unconditionally;
  2. Drop all charges related to the peaceful exercise of fundamental rights;
  3. Ensure unrestricted access to legal counsel, family, and adequate medical care while in detention.
  4. Immediately lift the travel ban imposed on Ahmed Douma and on any family members affected by the same order;
  5. Restore valid travel documents and remove any border-watch flags placed in connection with peaceful human rights work;
  6. Comply with the ICCPR Article 12 guarantee of freedom of movement.

I will continue to monitor this case until Ahmed Douma is free.

Respectfully,

[Your name]
[Your city, country]
6 June 2026

Suggested recipients

Egyptian Embassy (London) United Kingdom eg.emb.london@mfa.gov.eg
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders United Nations · OHCHR defenders@ohchr.org
UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention United Nations · OHCHR wgad@ohchr.org
EU EEAS Human Rights Division European Union eeas-human-rights@eeas.europa.eu

What to do next

1. Edit the letter to add your specific concerns.
2. Copy, then email it directly from your personal address.
3. CC editorial@humena.org so we can log advocacy volume.

A personal email from a constituent often matters more than a coalition statement.