Renowned journalist and commentator Sami Hamdi’s wife is calling for his release after he was detained earlier this week by US immigration officials when his visa was revoked for unsubstantiated “national security” reasons.
“Our beloved Sami was abducted over the weekend by the US government because of his courageous and effective advocacy for Palestinian human rights,” a statement from his wife, Soumaya, reads.
His wife stated that Hamdi’s detention appears to be a “politically motivated act of intimidation”.
“Sami was on a speaking tour across North America when a politicised group of social media influencers targeted him for his support for Palestinian rights. They have mischaracterised my husband and his views in an effort to discredit and silence him,” Soumaya stated.
She urged the UK government to provide “full consular support” for Hamdi, something it has not yet done, she stated.
“Sami’s advocacy at events across America is simple: millions of Americans are facing food insecurity and falling living standards. He argues that taxpayers’ money should prioritise healthcare, housing, and welfare rather than being depleted by providing political support for Israel,” stated Soumaya.
