"Imprisoning a Revolution: Writings from Egypt's Incarcerated" (U California Press, 2025)
Mar 26, 2025
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In this enlightening discussion, Mark LeVine, a UC Irvine history professor with two decades of experience in Egypt, and Lucia Sorbera, a University of Sydney expert on Middle Eastern literature, delve into 'Imprisoning a Revolution.' They explore the profound writings of Egyptian political prisoners, tracing the evolution of prison literature and its role as resistance. The conversation highlights parallels between the struggles of Egyptian and Palestinian activists and issues surrounding judicial independence, illuminating the threat of global authoritarianism and the power of expression in dire circumstances.
The anthology 'Imprisoning a Revolution' amplifies the unheard voices of Egypt's political prisoners, reflecting the urgent global implications of authoritarianism.
By highlighting the historical significance of prison writings, the collection showcases diverse perspectives on resistance, fostering solidarity among oppressed peoples worldwide.
Deep dives
Documenting Voices of the Incarcerated
The book 'Imprisoning a Revolution' aimed to document the experiences of political prisoners in Egypt, focusing on those who have been silenced in the aftermath of the 2011 revolution. Authors Mark Levine and Lucia Sorbera sought to amplify the voices of individuals who are often unheard, emphasizing that their stories reflect the broader implications of authoritarian governance. They noted that this work was not only a historical record but also a warning about the encroaching similarities between the Egyptian regime's practices and the trends seen in other nations, including the U.S. The project stemmed from their longstanding relationships with activists and an obligation to advocate for those who have suffered personal losses due to state repression.
The Significance of Prison Writings
The collection of writings included in the book serves as a reflection of the spirit and perseverance of those imprisoned. Sorbera elaborated on the historical significance of prison writings in Egypt, highlighting its longstanding literary and cultural traditions. She emphasized the diversity of voices within the anthology, showcasing works from different political backgrounds and demographics, including youth and women, which collectively illustrate the multifaceted nature of political repression. By curating these writings, the authors aim to create a continuum between past and contemporary dissent, asserting that all forms of expression carry weight, regardless of the authors' literary stature.
Israel and Egypt: Shared Struggles
In drawing comparisons between the struggles of Egyptian activists and broader global movements, the authors highlighted that oppression manifests itself in similar ways across these contexts. They recounted an experience shared by a young activist who aptly described the Egyptian regime as an occupation, akin to that experienced in Palestine, signaling a deep connection in struggles against systemic oppression. The idea of a coloniality of power was discussed, indicating that post-colonial regimes often replicate the tactics of their former colonial rulers to maintain control. This notion of solidarity amongst oppressed peoples underscores that resistance is both localized and global, echoing a warning and offering insights applicable to various contexts.
Egypt as a Model of Repressive Governance
The authors posited that Egypt functions as a 'laboratory' for authoritarian governance, detailing how repressive tactics employed there have implications for global politics. They argued that the methods of suppression seen in Egypt—including mass incarceration and systematic silencing—are being adopted in various forms around the world. Sorbera noted that the development of modern prison facilities in Egypt reflects an alarming trend toward more sophisticated surveillance and control mechanisms, disallowing basic human rights, including contact with family members. The insights offered through the discussion emphasize the urgent need for international awareness and solidarity in combating these oppressive systems, as they are not isolated phenomena, but rather part of a broader global pattern of repression.
Imprisoning a Revolution: Writings from Egypt’s Incarcerated(U California Press, 2025), edited by Collective Antigone, is a groundbreaking collection of writings by political prisoners in Egypt. It offers a unique lens on the global rise of authoritarianism during the last decade. This book contains letters, poetry, and art produced by Egypt’s incarcerated from the eruption of the January 25, 2011, uprising. Some are by journalists, lawyers, activists, and artists imprisoned for expressing their opposition to Egypt’s authoritarian order; others are by ordinary citizens caught up in the zeal to silence any hint of challenge to state power, including bystanders whose only crime was to be near a police sweep. Together, the contributors raise profound questions about the nature of politics in both authoritarian regimes and their “democratic” allies, who continue to enable and support such violence. This collection offers few answers and even less consolation, but it does offer voices from behind the prison walls that remind readers of our collective obligation not to look away or remain silent. With a foreword by acclaimed Egyptian novelist Ahmed Naji and an afterword with Kenyan literary giant Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Imprisoning a Revolution holds a mirror not just to Egypt but to the world today, urging us to stop the rampant abuse and denial of fundamental human rights around the globe.
In this episode, Ibrahim Fawzy interviews Mark LeVine and Lucia Sorbera about the genesis of the book, the challenges of curating it, struggle against tyranny, resistance, writing, and more.
Ibrahim Fawzy is a literary translator and writer based in Boston. His interests include translation studies, Arabic literature, ecocriticism, disability studies, and migration literature.
