Bassel Obeid, also known as Bassel Khartabil, was a Syrian web developer and open-source advocate who was arrested and subsequently killed by the Syrian government in 2015. His story is one of tragedy and activism, and serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who speak out against oppressive regimes.
Bassel Obeid’s Contributions to the Open-Source Community
Bassel Obeid was a prominent figure in the open-source community, known for his contributions to a number of projects. He was a core member of the Creative Commons Syria team, which worked to promote the use of open-source licenses in the country. He also played a key role in the development of the Arakne project, a platform for creating and sharing open-source maps of Syria.
In addition to his work on specific projects, Bassel Obeid was also a vocal advocate for open-source software and open data. He believed that these technologies could play a crucial role in promoting freedom of expression and democracy in Syria and around the world.
The Tragic Arrest and Death of Bassel Obeid
In March 2012, Bassel Obeid was arrested by the Syrian government while visiting his family in the city of Damascus. He was accused of “promoting terrorist acts” and “spreading false news” and was subsequently held in detention without trial.
Despite international pressure for his release, Bassel Obeid remained in custody for the next three years. In October 2015, it was reported that he had been executed, although his death was not officially confirmed by the Syrian government.
The death of Bassel Obeid was a tragic loss not only for his family but also for the open-source community, which lost a passionate and dedicated advocate. His story serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who speak out against oppressive regimes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What was Bassel Obeid’s role in the open-source community?
A: Bassel Obeid was a core member of the Creative Commons Syria team and played a key role in the development of the Arakne project, a platform for creating and sharing open-source maps of Syria. He was also a vocal advocate for open-source software and open data.
Q: Why was Bassel Obeid arrested?
A: Bassel Obeid was arrested by the Syrian government in March 2012 and was accused of “promoting terrorist acts” and “spreading false news.”
Q: What happened to Bassel Obeid after his arrest?
A: Bassel Obeid was held in detention without trial for three years, despite international pressure for his release. In October 2015, it was reported that he had been executed, although his death was not officially confirmed by the Syrian government.
Q: Why is Bassel Obeid’s story important? A: Bassel Obeid’s story is important because it serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who speak out against oppressive regimes. His death is a tragic loss not only for his family but also for the open-source community, which lost a passionate and dedicated advocate.
Conclusion
It is a tragic story of a young and talented web developer who was arrested, tortured and killed by Syrian government for his belief in freedom of expression and democracy in Syria. Bassel Obeid’s story is not just about a person but about the values that he stood for and the tragedy of losing a person who could have been a change maker in his country.
