SOAS University concerned' by reports of Sami Hamdi's detention in the US

"SOAS University, of which Hamdi is an alumnus, urge US authorities to ensure full transparency and due process' in his case. The London university where British political commentator and journalist Sami Hamdi completed his studies has called for full transparency and due process regarding his detention in the United States. In a statement published on Wednesday, SOAS University of London said it was deeply concerned by reports of Hamdi's detention, adding that there is no indication that Mr Hamdi has violated any laws."

"We urge the US authorities to ensure full transparency and due process in Mr Hamdi's case, and to uphold his fundamental right to freedom of expression and movement. Hamdi, 35, was stopped at San Francisco international airport in California on October 26 and detained by agents from the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned Hamdi's detention as a blatant affront to free speech, attributing his arrest to his criticism of Israel's genocidal war"

"Hamdi, who was completing a speaking tour in the US discussing Israel's war on Gaza, had addressed a CAIR gala in Sacramento, California, the previous evening and was due to speak at another CAIR event in Florida. He was unaware at the time that his visa had been revoked by US authorities two days before his detention. Hamdi's detention has led to a legal battle, with his lawyers filing emergency petitions against his detention."

SOAS University of London expressed deep concern and urged US authorities to ensure full transparency and due process in Sami Hamdi's case, stating there is no indication he violated any laws. Hamdi, 35, was stopped at San Francisco International Airport on October 26 and detained by ICE after his visa had been revoked unbeknownst to him. Hamdi had been on a speaking tour about Israel's war on Gaza and had addressed a CAIR gala in Sacramento. CAIR condemned the detention as an affront to free speech and linked it to Hamdi's criticism of Israel. Lawyers have filed emergency petitions and family and civil society groups seek government action.

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