Cyberactivists Hit Out at Arab Rulers

SMN No. 5, July 7, 2010

Hundreds of cyberactivists from various Arab countries are campaigning over the internet against what they call republics-cum-monarchies in the Arab region.

Over 700 hundred members, including tens of Syrian netizens, joined a Facebook group created in May opposing so-called Arab republics where power remains in the hands of one ruler for decades.

The group called on the heads of states of a number of Arab countries to “step down” immediately. The countries listed  were Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen and Syria.

In Syria, Hafez al-Assad remained in power for three decades after a coup in 1970. Following his death, his son replaced him as president of the republic.

In Egypt and Libya, the same rulers have been leading their countries for decades as well, and are expected to be replaced by their sons after they pass away.

The group said that many Arab leaders, especially those who had been governing for four decades or more, were no longer fit to govern their countries. It added that these rulers constantly lie by claiming that they were lawfully chosen to govern and serve their people.

Group members criticised the dictatorial nature of many Arab regimes. Some posted videos and photos deriding revolutionary slogans popularised by Arab leaders. One member said that passing on power from father to son kills the hopes of ordinary citizens. Another member asked people to reflect over the reasons why dictatorships develop in the Arab region and not in countries like France or the United States for instance.

Several members posted poems of revered Arab poets like Mahmoud Darwish celebrating freedom against totalitarian regimes.