FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND OTHER WRITINGS FROM MY DESK
But every single day, there seems to be a growing resolve to forget the lessons of the past. Some would say history is but repeating itself. Others would say that the fight we face today isn’t exactly the same as the ones our forebears fought. Both are correct. The evil we face today is more subtle, and savvier at manipulating people and their perception of the world and of history. Our own fears and aspirations used against us, driving us to destroy ourselves so that we can be overpowered and ruled completely. It is not enough to conquer, oppress and abuse blatantly. Now, it has to be done in a slow, creeping manner – creeping authoritarianism clothed in populist rhetoric, creeping territorial conquests through economic and military power, and discrimination and racism fueled by latent prejudices – with people none the wiser until it is too late. It is done by destroying our belief in the things that are meant to protect and defend us. Democratic institutions and exercises like elections are being corrupted and manipulated. Constitutions that are protective of human rights are being targeted for defacement. Truth and facts have become irrelevant. Defense of human rights itself is being attacked as the problem, rather than the crucial part of the solution that it truly is. Human rights defenders themselves have become victims of abuse. After 512 days in detention, that is how I have come to view the world and, indeed, reconciled myself with the role I am currently playing in it. My detention is among those moves calculated at chilling the people against everything I stood for: truth, justice, due process, human rights and rule of law. It is not enough that I am silenced. My credibility has to be destroyed. 12