Identity Magazine: Special Coverage – Interview with Mohamed El Nadi #Jan25 #Egypt

Identity Magazine: Marwa Rakha's Special #Jan25 Revolution Coverage

March/April 2011

Mohamed El Nadi

Egyptian living in the UK

As someone who has never been part of any political activity, I was like many others: skeptical that anything could be changed specially through a mature mechanism like going down to the streets to protest against a corrupt regime that will easily use violence to protect the status quo. 

My initial feeling when I started receiving information on how to strike, what to expect and how the nation can put pressure through a total a full-scale disobedience, was disbelief that anyone will really care or go down that day, and even if they did,  it wouldn’t result in anything other than the usual negative comments from those who prefer to “yemsho gamb el 7aih” and believe that the status quo is great.

When it finally happened, I instantly felt an obligation to utilize my social media expertise and media connections to help fight back state TV lies and provide support internationally for those great heroes on the ground through radio interviews to share the truth about real reasons behind the revolution, and sharing timely updates to key media and the Egyptian community through social media channels like Twitter.

 In general I really couldn’t sleep much for the past 20 days or so, mainly due to a general feeling every time I try that there are other heroes who are there in the cold, alone, in total fear of being attacked by thugs.  And for the other reasons that I was in touch with different key media personalities in different times zones worldwide, who I wanted to provide with timely updates instead of sleeping.

 Most painful moments:

1. The live 6 hour coverage of innocent people running in front of police armored vehicles on Kasr el Nil bridge on #Jan25, being hit in the back and head by gas canisters from close range or being run over by police cars!
2. When people where Tweeting how they are scared in #Tahrir at night, seeing thugs getting closer and fearing being attacked and dying.
3. Watching the numerous videos of cars crushing people, and police shooting armless protesters with live bullets in Alex, Maadi and Tahrir.
4. The disappointment after disappointment that we all felt after fake speeches and Mubarak not willing to step down.

Happiest moments:

1. When I heard a cheerful voice message sent on Twitter by Mona Seif who was alone and scared in #Tahrir but sharing her enthusiasm and positive feeling with the world and telling her family that she will win if she lives till the morning.
2. When I heard that Mubarak finally stepped down, I didn’t know what to do, didn’t know if I can trust the news… many questions where going through my mind, how would tomorrow look like! Is that it? Which government will rule? I was still in the office and in those moments you feel really lonely; as others around you might not have the same level of involvement of what is happening or understand the implications.

Thoughts on the future:

1. I wish that the army start respecting the people’s mentalities by providing a solid plan and being much more transparent from now on. Things need to change including this old attitude of “you just need to trust us, we know best”.
2. I also hope for a prompt trial for Mubarak and his old guard and all the traitors who planned the thugs attacks ASAP including business men and police, and to freeze his and his families’ assets and not just the assets of famous business men.
3. I am very worried about where the corrupt police will end up in the new country! Someone told me the total police force is around 250,000 where will those go! Who will trust them? What if thugs go underground!? Many baffling and worrying questions really.
4. I expect the few months ahead to be very tense, and I hope that we don’t lose focus and continue being ONE.
5. Before the revolution, the level of corruption, and social hypocrisy were often beyond comprehension, I hope this will change soon.
6. The only certainty now is that Egypt will never be the same again, and will never forget the 320 dead and thousands who risked life and limb for a better tomorrow.