Arresting UK journalist in US sparks controversy over freedom of expression

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (YPA) – The arrest of British Muslim journalist and writer Sami Hamdi by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport had sparked a wave of controversy and criticism from human rights and political circles in the United States.

Hamdi was detained while on a speaking tour in the United States. The arrest came a day after he delivered a speech in Sacramento condemning the genocide being committed by “Israel” in Gaza.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), with which Hamdi was participating, strongly condemned the arrest. In a statement, CAIR described the action as “a blatant attack on freedom of expression”, noting that detaining someone for criticizing the actions of the Israeli government constitutes targeted killing.

CARE called for the immediate release of Hamdi and for those responsible for his detention to be held accountable, asserting that “his only crime was criticizing a foreign government that committed genocide against civilians”. The organization and its legal partners are working to “address this injustice”.

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