The Crime of Holding a Camera

When Freedom Is Just a Word

I recently heard the story of a young woman. She was just 25 years old. A camera in her hand. Courage in her heart. And a truth in her eyes that terrified the people who live off lies. She took pictures—pictures of the world she lived in, a reality far removed from the polished speeches and pristine stages where powerful men talk of liberty, democracy, and peace.

She was killed. Intentionally. Silenced for daring to document her truth.

And this is the world we live in.

A world where the self-proclaimed defenders of “freedom” and “human rights” don’t flinch when pulling the trigger on anyone who dares to call them out. Where the ones who claim to stand for justice have blood on their hands and medals on their chests. They kill, they destroy, they rewrite history—and then they walk into UN meetings and peace summits, dressed in suits, offering platitudes and charity handouts to the same people they brutalize.

It’s a theatre. A grotesque, hypnotic show. And they clap each other awards, honorary titles, humanitarian badges, peace prizes. A twisted club where the only rule is that you must never question the mirror you stand in front of. Because if you do, you’ll see the monster staring back.

I’ve never trusted people who call themselves “good.” If you are good, let the world say so. Let your actions do the talking. Don’t hide behind press releases and PR campaigns.

And don’t speak of liberty with a gun in your hand.

We are not blind. We see you.
We are not deaf. We hear you.
We are not fools. We know who you are.

Because when people show us who they are—we believe them.

So don’t preach about freedom when your version of freedom is selective. When your peace depends on someone else’s silence. When your democracy is built on the ashes of someone else’s home.

We are watching. And more importantly—we are remembering.

And to all the people who were killed for the simple act of seeking the truth — for being brave enough to document by taking pictures, recording, and writing about it — we thank you.

Salima

Just me thinking out loud over here