(NEW YORK) — PEN America today called the detention of British journalist and commentator Sami Hamdi by ICE a direct assault on the principles of free expression protected by the First Amendment and called for his immediate release from custody. Hamdi, who is in the United States on a speaking tour, was detained on Sun., Oct. 26 at San Francisco International Airport apparently in response to his criticism of the Israeli government.
“Sami Hamdi’s detention is not the conduct of a confident democracy, but the hallmark of a government afraid of open debate. Revoking a journalist’s visa for views that challenge the administration’s preferred narrative sends a chilling message that foreign nationals who speak critically risk expulsion through political retaliation,” said Tim Richardson, director of PEN America’s Journalism and Disinformation Program. “Federal courts have already rebuked the administration for using deportations and visa revocations to silence dissent, making clear that targeting noncitizens for political speech is unconstitutional. Yet the government continues to wield immigration enforcement as a tool to censor, intimidate, and silence. Hamdi must be immediately released and allowed to resume his speaking tour without interference.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], 201-247-5057