In 2007, a 22-year-old Egyptian blogger known as Kareem Amerwas given a four-year prison sentence for "spreading information disruptive of public order and damaging to the country’s reputation", "incitement to hate Islam" and "defaming the president of the republic". He was the first Egyptian to be convicted and jailed purely for his blogging activities. 

Kareem (full name: Abdul Kareem Nabeel Suleiman Amer) became eligible for release on November 5 last year, after completing three-quarters of his term, in accordance with Egyptian law that permits prisoners to be released early for good behaviour. His lawyer sentan appeal to President Mubarak, but the request was denied. 

Last Friday, he completed his full four-year sentence but so far there is no news of his whereabouts. His supporters and his 
lawyers believe he is still being held in jail – beyond the end of his sentence.

Maybe this is just an administrative bungle (which would not be very surprising in Egypt). Or maybe not. We shall see. 

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 8 November 2010.