Rami Aman

Rami Aman (born in Damascus, Syria) is a Syrian internet activist and human rights defender. He is known for his work promoting free speech and internet freedom in Syria and the broader Arab world, particularly through the co-founding of the Syrian Network for Social Media Rights (SMEX).

Aman's activism began online, using social media platforms to advocate for democratic reforms and human rights. He recognized the power of the internet as a tool for communication, organization, and information dissemination in a country with restricted media access.

In 2011, amidst the Arab Spring uprisings, Aman co-founded SMEX to address the growing need for digital security, media literacy, and online freedom. SMEX works to protect online activists from government surveillance, promotes digital literacy skills among citizens, and advocates for policies that support freedom of expression online.

Aman's work has focused on empowering marginalized communities, including women and LGBTQ+ individuals, by providing them with the skills and resources to safely navigate the online world and advocate for their rights. He has also been involved in documenting human rights violations and advocating for accountability.

Due to his activism, Aman has faced harassment, threats, and imprisonment. In 2012, he was arrested by Syrian authorities and detained for several days. Despite the risks, he continues to work to promote internet freedom and human rights in the region. His work has contributed significantly to raising awareness about online censorship and surveillance in Syria and advocating for a more open and democratic internet.