Galal El-Behairy

Galal El-Behairy (born 27 June 1990) Two collections of his poetry have been published: Masna'a El Karasy (The Chair Factory, 2015) and Segn Bel Alwan (Colorful Prison, 2017). PEN International

Career

El-Behairy has written three collections of poetry: Masna'a El Karasy (The Chair Factory, 2015), Segn Bel Alwan (Colorful Prison, 2017) "Segn Bel Alwan" ("Colorful Prison"), the title poem of El-Behairy's second poetry collection, is the basis for Essam's hit song of the same name. "Segn Bel Alwan" recognizes women for their resistance to oppression in Egypt and worldwide.

Imprisonment On 26 February 2018, Ramy Essam released the song "Balaha", which contains lyrics written by Galal El-Behairy. The title is a derogatory term, literally translated as "date", which is used for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The song satirizes Egypt's military rulers for political corruption and the state of Egypt's economy. As of 18 October 2023, the song's YouTube video had received more than 7 million views.

At least seven people were subsequently arrested due to supposed connections to Essam and the song "Balaha".

On 28 February 2018, two days after the release of "Balaha", Egyptian Minister of Culture Enas Abdel Dayem publicly denounced Galal El-Behairy on live television, referencing his poetry collection The Finest Women on Earth. Despite having already printed the first edition, the book's publisher, Dar Da'ad Publishing and Distribution, terminated their contract with El-Behairy and the copies of the book were not released. a tactic that has been increasingly used in Egypt in violation of due process. The charges in military court related to his unpublished poetry collection, The Finest Women on Earth. It was claimed that the title was intended as an insult to soldiers, which El-Behairy has denied. Rather, he has stated that the title was "a recognition of the value of women and of their good deeds in this world". El-Behairy faced multiple charges including "spreading false news and rumors" and "insulting the Egyptian army". He appeared in court on May 6, 2018, but sentencing was repeatedly postponed. On 31 July 2018, he was sentenced to three years on prison and a fine of 10,000 Egyptian pounds.

International human rights organizations such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, have called for El-Behairy's release and expressed concern about his health and safety.