Egypt’s Transformers

In April 2011, Platon and Human Rights Watch created a portfolio from Cairo’s Tahrir Square. Platon photographed human rights campaigners, social media activists, union organizers, writers, musicians, victims and heroes of the movement that brought an end to Hosni Mubarak’s 30-years of repressive rule – and helped inspire similar movements across the Middle East, and beyond. The legacy of these achievements still hangs in fragile balance, reliant on these activists to continue their fight for fair political leadership. This collaboration shines a spotlight on the brave individuals involved in the events at Tahrir Square. The New Yorker published the portfolio in July 2011, and it went on to receive encouraging global media coverage. The project would not have been possible without the extensive advocacy campaigns provided by Human Rights Watch.