Movements.org:
how long has it been since you refused to obey compulsory military
service in Egypt?
Emad:
I was required to be present at the recruiting area on January 2012.
I didn't and declared my refusal on April.
Movements.org:
Wow, over 1.5 years since you refused compulsory service. What has
the response been from the Egyptian govt and others?
Emad:
The Egyptian military and the government don't care, they didn't even
bother to respond to my letters I sent them twice.
Fathy:
they ignored us and never respond to the letters
Movements.org:
Are there restrictions on what you can do now?
Emad:
I'm not allowed to make post-graduate studies, to work or to travel
abroad. The military can arrest and capture me for 3 years!
Movements.org:
What demands do young refusers have of the Egypt govt & military?
Fathy:
That is transfer me for the civil service do not follow the military
in anything
Movements.org:
Is govt under el-Sisi more restrictive to you & other refusers?
Emad:
The government under el-Sisi isn't different at all
from the governments under Morsi or Tantawi. It's all the same
regime.
Movements.org:
What's your main reason for saying #NoEgyptMilService?
Emad:
Egypt's military service is a perfect example of modern slavery that
the world chose to stay silent on.
Fathy:
i do not believe in war or using weapons and violence is solution for
making peace
Movements.org:
Is the #NoEgyptMilService message accepted in Egypt? Obviously
government has come down hard on you, but is the message growing?
Emad:
#NoEgyptMilService message is growing but slowly and totally accepted
by whom it concern most: potential recruits
Movements.org:
What resources/actions can human rights groups & others
contribute to the cause #NoEgyptMilService? What support do you need?
Emad:
Human rights groups can sign a statement @NoMilService made demanding
#Egypt to recognize conscientious objection & speak out!
Fathy:
in Egypt we need the NGOs to be more legally cooperative
Movements.org:
What do you think of the American military assistance to Egypt?
Emad:
It's a military assistance, not for helping liberties, however it was
a promise from the US to Egypt after Camp David accords.
Egypt
has and continues to violate the Camp David accords, yet Israel and
the US never bothered to complain.
Fathy:
I think its time to assist Egypt in the field of liberties instead
Movements.org:
What's next for you personally @EmadPax @Fathy ? Any optimism that
your punishment will end for saying #NoEgyptMilService?
Emad:
Everything is possible. I believe that things change when people
start to think deeply and with compassion, to choose to change
Fathy:
When people realize that violence and wars are a closed circle not
producing real peace or tolerance, and when people ask for a civilian
service
Movements.org:
Really great thoughts on dissent & military service in Egypt from @mo3bdo & @EmadPax. Follow @NoMilService & on FB:
http://ow.ly/pHcvZ
