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Syria: Razan Ghazzawi Charged, Bloggers Continue Campaign

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Malagasy · Syria: Voaheloka i Razan Ghazzawi, Bloggers Continue CampaignSyria: Razan Ghazzawi Charged, Manohy Ny Fanentanany Ireo Biloagera
Français · Syrie : Inculpation de Razan Ghazzawi, la mobilisation ne faiblit pas
عربي · سوريا: اتهام رزان غزاوي، والمدونون مستمرون في حملة تضامنهم
Magyar · Szíria: Vádat emeltek Razan Ghazzawi ellen, a bloggerek folytatják tiltakozásukat
Nederlands · Syrië: aanklachten tegen Razan Ghazzawi, bloggers voeren campagne
Italiano · Siria: prosegue la campagna per la liberazione di Razan Ghazzawi
Português · Síria: Razan Ghazzawi Indiciada, Blogueiros Continuam a Campanha
Español · Siria: Razan Ghazzawi acusada, blogueros continúan campaña
বাংলা · সিরিয়াঃ রাজান ঘাজ্জাউয়ির বিরুদ্ধে অভিযোগ গঠন, ব্লগাররা তার জন্য প্রচারণা চালিয়ে যাচ্ছে

This post is part of our special coverage Syria Protests 2011.

Eight days after her arrest, Razan Ghazzawi has been charged, according to an article from the Lebanese Daily Star, which reports:

According to her lawyers, Razan has been charged with “establishing an organization that aims to change the social and economical entity of the state” and “weakening the national sentiment, and trying to ignite sectarian strife” and “weakening national sentiment” — all of which can lead to a penalty of three to 15 years in prison.

On Twitter, supporters had strong reactions to the charges. Syrian blogger @anasqtiesh wrote:

The logo of the global Free Razan campaign

The logo of the global Free Razan campaign

@anasqtiesh: The charges against Razan Ghazzawi are a farce. Just like everything else the Syrian regime does. #FreeRazan #Syria

@anasqtiesh: ”weakening the national sentiment, and trying to ignite sectarian strife” Should be charges against Assad. #Syria #FreeRazan

Al Jazeera journalist Dima Khatib was similarly dismayed:

I am very sad to read the news about @RedRazan being charged with “crimes”.. Razan is not a criminal. Razan is a freedom fighter #FreeRazan

Karl Sharro was angered by the charges, but especially by one in particular, writing:

But “trying to ignite sectarian strife” is more offensive than anything. Razan is very dedicated to anti-sectarianism. #freeRazan

Global Voices author Laura Vidal, from Venezuela, wrote:

When a government silences a blogger it proves him/her right #FreeRazan

Solidarity campaigns in support of Razan continue. Palestinian blogger Abir Kopty tweeted:

Palestinian bloggers are working on a statement calling to #Freerazan and all Syrian political prisoners. #Syria

A Facebook page is being used to coordinate campaign efforts, while the #freerazan hashtag is used by supporters on Twitter to share updates.

This post is part of our special coverage Syria Protests 2011.

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