Assalamu Alaikum ICNA CSJ Supporter, On July 14th, a Virginia-based American Muslim Lawyer was detained by the United Arab Emirates. For 11 days, he was not able to contact his lawyers, his family, or speak to any U.S. officials. After immense pressure from the United States government, the Muslim community, and many lawyers, he was finally able to speak briefly with his local lawyers, and speak to his family for 10 minutes. Today, there was a hearing on Zoom, his bail was denied and the next hearing is set for August 9th. Asim Ghafoor is a pillar of the American Muslim community; he is a civil rights attorney and well known for his work in advocating for Democracy in the Middle East, as a board member of DAWN, as well as for his representation of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered for his criticism of the Saudi Government. Ghafoor has been convicted in absentia, which means without his knowledge, and in his absence, for money laundering and tax evasion. He was not given the opportunity to defend himself, and was not informed about these charges; yet, he is now sentenced to 3 years in prison and owes a fine of 3 Million Dirham. His arrest sets a dangerous precedent for politically active Americans critical of the Middle Eastern governments as they travel through the region. This week, four members of congress gathered to demand the immediate release of Asim Ghafoor on bail and access to his attorneys and his family. They also stressed that the political undertones of the arrest were irreprehensible and that the UAE’s claim that their arrest was in tandem with the United States government was inaccurate. Asim Ghafoor is a father, husband, and an irreplaceable figure in the Muslim community. Here is what you can do to help him: Send an email and a tweet, using the link below, to Merrick Garland, the Attorney General of the United States, and Anthony Blinken, secretary of State, asking their respective departments to ensure a timely release of Asim Ghafoor, and to clarify the circumstances of his arrest, in order to protect American citizens who exercise their rights of free speech. Please also make dua for him; his health, his family, and his freedom. In the coming weeks, I hope to have an update for you about this case. Best Wishes,
Dr. Zahid Bukhari
Executive Director, ICNA CSJ For more reading, visit: |
