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June 9
Washington, D.C.
At a press conference at the Longworth House near the Capitol, sponsored by the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights, Farouk (I still have a feeling of wonder at dealing with him as a free man) and other activists told their stories at the podium. This event was created by
Front Line to honor “human rights defenders” and launch Front Line USA: Threats, Attacks, Arrests and Harrassment of Human Rights Defenders, at 187-page report (pdf version)
I covered the event — sadly I was the only videographer there. Though this event was a significant moment for the international human rights community, I haven’t found any mention of it in the U.S. press (Here’s an article by the Naples Daily News.) The event was originally going to be in the Capitol Building, but was moved at the last minute due to the death of a revered human rights offender, whose remains were obsessively covered by all major media every inch they traveled that day.
I went there to cover Farouk and got much more than I bargained for. I met great people and learned about struggles I haven’t had the chance to follow before.
