Senator Peter Welch visited imprisoned activist Mohsen Mahdawi to discuss issues surrounding democracy and freedom of speech. Mahdawi, detained under controversial circumstances while pursuing citizenship, criticized the practices of the Trump administration that target activists speaking out against perceived injustices, particularly regarding Palestine. He remains hopeful about justice and emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in U.S. democracy, lamenting its erosion in the context of his and others' detention. His situation raises significant concerns over civil rights and immigration policies.
"I’m staying positive by reassuring myself in the ability of justice and the deep belief of democracy. This is the reason I wanted to become a citizen of this country - because I believe in the principles of this country."
"How could [my activism] be a threat to anybody except the war machine that is feeding this?" Mahdawi said.
"Freedom of speech and other protections under the First Amendment are supposed to be among the most important principles undergirding the U.S. - principles now being rapidly eroded."
Mahdawi hinted at the contradiction when Welch asked him about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s reasoning for detaining him.
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