In the early months of 2020, I met someone who had an incredible story. And once they finished telling me their story, they told me additional stories about others that culminated in me becoming the publisher of The Imprisoned Blogger online. Why did I do this when media outlets that were previously contacted, and who had more publishing clout and larger audiences, wouldn’t? Because I didn’t want to be part of the censorship and erasing of existence that the individuals in these stories had already faced. And this became a big step that took my life from apathy to activism.
When the author of these stories, Othman—Adam, as he is known to many of his friends—Hamdan came to me near the end of 2023 and said, “I want this to be a book,” I had to agree. The blog had gained some attention and was relevant to our time, but needed to also find a different way into the world. When Adam writes his stories, he often tells me, “I want to leave a historical record.” So, I switched professional gears to become the book’s editor and we worked diligently on refining and updating stories, as well as adding new ones, until Adam was able to hit the publish button for a physical book. Now, I have the honour of introducing it to you, along with the author who is taking rightful ownership behind the storytelling.
The Imprisoned Blogger online will continue to share stories as activism against oppression and injustice around the world. This project has touched me deeply, and though it is not always easier being “aware,” once you are, there really is no option or desire to be any other way. In the book’s foreword, I wrote:
For those of you meeting The Imprisoned Blogger for the first time, I hope you take the journey with open eyes and an open mind. If what you read bothers you, be curious. If it angers you, speak out. Just don’t ignore it, because to do so imprisons important truths that continue to exist even if locked away.
I do hope you will become a reader, not only of The Imprisoned Blogger book and blog, but of all stories from those who the status quo is trying to unjustly silence. I hope what you learn from others sparks a personal call to action to become a voice for humanity and freedom for all. The first enemy that we must fight in order to be free, is ourselves.
Merielle M Kazakoff, Publisher and Editor of The Imprisoned Blogger online
The Imprisoned Blogger book is available on Amazon.
Read an interview with the author: 5 Qs & 1 A on All That’s Write.
Local copies will also be available and updates of locations, book launch, and signings will be posted.
You can contact the author here.
The Imprisoned Blogger 
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