Egypt to Release Google's Wael Ghonim Egypt to Release a Protest Hero, Hundreds More to Go

Egyptian activists are waiting with bated breath for the release of a hero. There are many emerging heroes in the popular uprising in Egypt. The one slated for freedom today is Wael Ghonim, Google's chief of marketing for the Middle East and a political activist. He was arrested by the Egyptian authorities more than a week ago.

His biggest crime may have been supporting social media. On January 27, two days after street protests began he posted on his personal Facebook page, "I said one year ago that the Internet will change the political scene in Egypt and some Friends made fun of me :)." The next day he disappeared.

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Ghonim is just one high profile example amidst hundreds. The Wall Street Journal reports that at least 1,275 people have been detained by police since the protests began. Most were released shortly after.

Ghonim had a prominent professional position, so his support for the opposition was naturally more dangerous, and for that all the more powerful. Here's to hoping he's not the only one released today.

Image: Google