I’ve never done this sort of thing before, but I’ve just written to Mohammad Hosni Mubarak – President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Ebonmuse of Daylight Atheism recently highlighted his imprisonment for his blogging which was critical of the government. This is what I wrote:

I’m writing to you in the hope that you will ensure the release of the blogger Kareem Amer. His detention is of great concern to people internationally who value the freedom of expression.

Attempts to silence criticism by force imply that a government is fearful or corrupt. Such authoritarian actions encourage further criticism, both nationally and internationally.

Your decision to free Kareem Amer would grant you and your country a new respect from people from all over the world.

I hope you will consider this carefully and act wisely.
Sincerely,
Eshu

The front of the card I sent had a picture of a West Highland White Terrier, which I feel has got to melt anyone’s heart.

Obviously I have no idea if he’ll ever read it, or if it will have any effect, but it is very little effort on my part, so I’m willing to give it a go. Amnesty International who are campaigning for Kareem Amer’s release assure us that “Personalised messages are more effective.”, perhaps because they are harder to ignore than bulk facsimiles.