Abdul Kareem Nabil Suleiman (Kareem Amer)

D.o.B.: c. 1984, Egypt

Profession: former law student at the Al-Azhyar University in Alexandria, Egypt. Amer is an Internet writer, publishing articles on his blog.

Date of Arrest: Amer was arrested on 6 November 2006.

Sentence: On 22 February 2007, Amer was sentenced to four years in prison: three years for insulting Islam and one for defaming the Egyptian president, Mubarak.

Sentence Expires: 5 November 2010

Details of Trial: Refusing to retract the articles he posted on his Internet blog, Amer was detained in a prison in Alexandria. His detention was extended until his trial in January 2007. His hearing began on 25 January 2006, and was adjourned until 1 February 2007. He was accused of insulting Islam and the President, as well as inciting hatred towards Muslims.

Place of Detention: Amer is being held in Borg El-Arab Prison in Alexandria, Egypt.

Conditions of Detention: It is reported that Amer has been receiving numerous death threats and has suffered from physical violence from prison guards. He is currently being held in solitary confinement despite asking to be moved to the political prisoners' cell. In letters sent from prison in November 2007, Amer alleges that a tooth was broken during a beating and then transferred to a disciplinary cell where he received further beating and was denied sufficient food and water.

Other: He was previously held for 18 days in October 2005 for his articles on Islam and his coverage of sectarian riots in Alexandria, six at Alexandria's state security department, and twelve in jail. These articles prompted an investigation and led to his expulsion from Al-Azhyar University in March 2006 after its disciplinary board found him guilty of blasphemy against Islam.

Professional Details: Kareem Amer was a former law student at the Al-Azhyar University until his critical online articles led to his expulsion. He is known for his secular views and his critical writings about Islam and Egypt's highest religious authorities.

Award: Kareem Amer was awarded the journlism award on the 7th Annual Index on censorship Freesom of Expression Award on the14 March 2007.

Honorary Member: English Pen, American PEN

Read International PEN's report on Defamation in Egypt here.