Freedom of Expression Club: Ramy Essam – Freedom to Sing was organized at Tenho Restobar on Sat 9 June 2018 to support #FreeGalal-campaign and the imprisoned Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy. The audience got to witness an amazing first performance by Megaphone X: Ramy Essam, Linda Fredriksson (baritone sax), Tommy Lindgren (voc) and Felix Zenger (beatbox). An empty chair, a PEN tradition, was dedicated to Galal. His poem, ‘A Letter from Tora Prison’, was read in Arabic by Ramy Essam and in English by Tommy Lindgren. The poem can be read in Arabic and English and in Finnish by Sampsa Peltonen on Finnish PEN’s website. The panel discussion was hosted by the journalist Iida Simes.
Finnish PEN, Artists at Risk and Finnish Music Council wishes to thank all who came to support Galal and especially our talented artists, Iida Simes and Tenho Restobar for making it a memorable night.
#FreeGalal continues: Please join us at the embassy of Egypt in Helsinki, Puistokatu 5 A 3, on Wednesday 20 June 2018 at 4 pm to show your support and urge Egypt to #FreeGalal! Pass on the word – see you there, friends!
