In Cairo filming a documentary on women’s rights in Egypt, the British journalist was subjected to a prolonged, mass sexual assault in the midst of the crowd at Tahrir Square, and narrowly escaped with her life.

She has written about here, on her blog. It’s harrowing reading but essential reading, thanks to Smith’s clear prose and bravery, reporting just the way a good reporter should on world events, even when they drag writers into the story – in this case, in the most horrific manner imaginable.

via thepoliticalnotebook’s This week in war.