AJ Journo Sends Heartbreaking Letter to Son

Jailed Al-Jazeera journalist Baher Mohammed was forced to remain behind bars yesterday as his wife gave birth to his new born son. From his jail cell, Baher released a letter to the new arrival, Haroun. The touching script aims to give hope for the child’s future, as well as some valuable advice for his two other children - four year old Hazem and three year old Fairouz.

Baher begins..

“Sorry because you were born where free people are behind bars, including your father. Sorry too because you have come to a society where its freedom’s restricted. But I promise you I will always fight for liberty. I don’t want you to give up on this society… because I am sure that soon everything will change for the better.”

"My dear children, there are things I learnt and I want to share with you. I was always fighting for the truth in my career and that was not easy. Whatever it takes, keep looking for the truth and never be afraid of it. I want you all to maintain your dignity. It is one of your most precious values. Always be patient because you will face lots of obstacles in your path. Always be good to all, even to those who treat you badly. Feel the pain of the others and keep trying to help them. If you feel you can help and make someone happy, never hesitate. If you can draw a smile on someone’s face… then take the action to draw this smile.

"My dear children… keep smiling because behind the clouds the sun always shines.”

“Finally Haroun, I want you to ask your Mama to forgive me because I couldn’t be with her the moment you arrived. I want you also to take it easy on her. And by the way… the moment you will arrive you will meet two great Australians; the parents of Peter Greste, who is in prison (with) me, as well as the great Egyptian family of Mohamed Fahmy, my colleague. Together we are sharing this struggle and together we will celebrate your birth. They are your family and their sons’ are your father’s brothers.

So don’t be shy of them.

Love you Haroun…"