Wife of British commentator 'abducted by ICE' speaks out: 'We're being kept in the dark'

"Detention Without Due Process: British Commentator's Wife Speaks Out"

The wife of Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator detained by US immigration authorities over his pro-Palestinian advocacy, has spoken out about her husband's ordeal. Soumaya Hamdi expressed distress and frustration as she described the lack of information and support from the US government.

Sami Hamdi was detained on Sunday while on a speaking tour in the US, with his wife only able to communicate with him for 30 seconds after his arrest. She revealed that all she knew was that her husband had been taken to an immigration detention center in California, where he remains pending removal from the country.

The couple has three children, including a 10-month-old baby, who are unable to understand why their father is being held without access to video calls or other communication. Soumaya Hamdi acknowledged that her husband's comments about Palestinians celebrating their "victory" over Israel were misinterpreted and taken out of context by his critics.

However, she also pointed out that the US government has revoked Hamdi's visa and declared him a threat to national security, despite a lack of evidence to support these claims. The Department of Homeland Security claimed that Hamdi supported terrorism, citing a video clip from an anti-Muslim organization that was edited in a way to frame him.

The case highlights concerns about free speech and the treatment of pro-Palestinian advocates in the US. Critics argue that such actions by the Trump administration are unconstitutional and amount to censorship. Lawyers representing Sami Hamdi have appealed for his immediate release, while advocating for an end to arbitrary detentions based on criticism of foreign governments.

As Soumaya Hamdi emphasized, "This doesn't just concern Sami, it concerns everybody who values freedom of speech, everybody who values freedom of political expression." Her husband's detention serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly in a country that prides itself on being a beacon of democracy.

The British government's response to Soumaya Hamdi's plight has been criticized as inadequate, with her seeking help from the Foreign Office but receiving only disappointing responses. The US government's actions have sparked outrage among civil liberties groups and human rights organizations worldwide.

As tensions over free speech and national security continue to escalate, it is essential that governments prioritize due process, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. Sami Hamdi's detention serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in protecting these values.

A diagram of a person with a "lock" around their neck and a "key" missing can represent the situation of Sami Hamdi. The lock symbolizes the detention without due process, while the key represents the lack of access to communication and information.

The US government's actions are like a puzzle with missing pieces . The Department of Homeland Security is claiming that Sami Hamdi supports terrorism, but the video clip used as evidence was edited in a way to frame him . This is like trying to solve a puzzle with incomplete information.

The wife's statement "This doesn't just concern Sami, it concerns everybody who values freedom of speech" can be represented by a diagram of a person with a megaphone shouting out for justice . The megaphone represents the voice of the oppressed, while the words "justice" and "freedom" represent the need for due process and respect for fundamental rights.

Overall, this situation is like a complex algorithm that needs to be cracked . We need to find a way to balance free speech with national security concerns . The diagram below represents my thoughts on this issue:

```
+---------------+
| Free Speech |
| vs National |
| Security |
+---------------+
|
|
v
+---------------+ +---------------+
| Due Process | | Transparency |
| and Respect | | for Rights |
+---------------+ +---------------+
```
This diagram represents the need to balance free speech with due process and respect for fundamental rights, while also promoting transparency in government actions .

This is getting crazy . First responders are always ready to jump into action, but what's happening here is more like a ticking time bomb . The fact that Sami Hamdi was detained without access to his family or any clear explanation of why he was being held is just outrageous . I mean, who gets taken away from their three kids without even knowing the charges against them? And now, there's this video clip that's being used as evidence, but it looks like it's been edited to make him look like a terrorist . This whole thing reeks of censorship and abuse of power . We need to stand up for free speech and protect people's rights, not punish them for exercising their freedom of expression .

omg this is soooo concerning samis wife is totally right tho his comments were taken out of context & that video clip was edited to make him look bad the us gov is super secretive about who they're detaining & why it's like they're not even treating ppl as humans anymore gotta stand up for freedom of speech & expression especially when it comes to criticizing foreign governments

This case is super concerning. I mean, how can they just detain someone without knowing what happened or giving them a chance to respond? It's like, don't we live in a country where everyone's entitled to due process and a fair trial? The fact that Sami Hamdi's comments were taken out of context and used against him is crazy. And the US government's response to his wife's pleas for help is just, like, wow... so inadequate .

I'm not saying that pro-Palestinian advocacy should be allowed without limits or criticism, but come on, let's at least have a nuanced discussion about it! Let's not demonize people who are just trying to have an honest conversation. This whole thing feels like a big mess, and I hope Sami Hamdi gets released ASAP. We need more accountability and transparency in our government, especially when it comes to issues of free speech and national security.

This whole thing is super weird to me... like, I get why they're mad about pro-Palestinian stuff, but can't they just chill? They're basically saying that Sami's opinions are treasonous or something? It's wild that the US government would do this to someone without even a proper hearing. And what's with this video clip being edited to make him look like a terrorist? That's not fair at all... I'm not saying Sami didn't say some stupid stuff, but come on! Can't we just talk about these issues in a civilized way?

my heart goes out to sammi & his fam this is getting soooo scary & unfair, they're just trying to express their opinions & be free but being held captive without any explanation or support... 10-month-old baby doesn't even understand why dad's not home it's like, how can u take away someone's freedom of speech & call them a threat to national security when there's no proof? this is a huge deal for all of us who value our rights & freedoms

this is insane, cant even get any info on what happened to ur husband & u r left wondering if he's still alive or not 30 seconds of contact with him after arrest? that's basically no communication at all the usa needs to sort out its act & treat ppl fairly, not just because they have different opinions samis case is a clear example of how fear can be used as a tool against free speech we need to stand up for ppl like him & make sure their rights are protected

Its really worrying when ppl r detained 4 speaking out against injustice . The fact that his wife cant even communicate with him 4 30 secs after he got arrested is just devastating . And its not like hes done anything wrong, hes just a commentator who wants to share his views . The US govnt has revoked his visa and deemed him a threat 2 national security over claims made by an anti-Muslim orgnaisation that was edited 2 frame him . This is a clear case of censorship and it needs 2 be stopped ASAP . We need 2 protect free speech & fundamental rights, esp in countries that claim 2 b democracies .

I'm really worried about this dude Sami Hamdi he was just speaking out about his opinions on Palestinians celebrating their "victory" over Israel, which is like super sensitive stuff but what's even more concerning is that he got taken away by the US immigration authorities without even getting to talk to his family for 30 seconds, can you imagine? his wife Soumaya is stressing out big time because they've got three little kids who are totally clueless about why their dad is missing and the US government is like "oh no he's a threat to national security" but like where's the evidence for that? it's just so suspicious and unfair we need to stand up for free speech and political expression, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like this

This whole thing with Sami Hamdi is super worrying . I mean, can you believe they're holding someone up on immigration charges without even giving them a chance to talk it out? It's like they're just silencing him because of his views on Palestine. And now Soumaya's having to deal with the stress of not knowing what's going on with her husband and their three kids... poor things . The US government is always talking about how they're a beacon of democracy, but this kind of thing just shows us that they're really struggling with free speech and due process. It's like, yeah, we get it, you're concerned about national security, but can't you find a better way to address those concerns?

This whole thing stinks of a slippery slope. One pro-Palestinian commentator gets thrown under the bus and suddenly we're talking about "threats to national security" left and right . What's next? Detaining people who criticize US foreign policy or speak out against human rights abuses? It's like they're trying to silence dissenting voices, which is exactly what our country should be fighting against . And let's not forget about the lack of transparency in this whole ordeal - a 30-second phone call with the hubby and that's it? No wonder Soumaya Hamdi is frustrated . We need better, we need more accountability, and we need to make sure our government isn't using fear-mongering to justify arbitrary detentions .

I'm really worried about this case, but at the same time, I think it's great that Soumaya Hamdi is speaking out and advocating for her husband's rights . It's crazy how one tweet or comment can get taken completely out of context and used to fuel an entire investigation . And yeah, the US government's claims about Sami Hamdi supporting terrorism just don't add up . But what really gets me is that this isn't just about Sami - it's about all of us who value free speech and freedom of expression . We need to be vigilant in protecting these rights and holding our governments accountable . Maybe this case will bring some much-needed attention to the importance of due process and transparency .

ugh, another example of how easily they can just lock people up without even trying to understand what's going on ... like, what even is the criteria here? pro-Palestinian advocacy gets you tossed around like a pawn? newsflash: criticizing governments doesn't make someone a threat to national security... it's always about the politics, not about actual security concerns . and now they're just sitting in this detention center with no idea how long they'll be there or what will happen next... poor guy, his family is totally freaked out ... can't we just have a basic understanding of free speech and due process around here? it's like, come on, guys, get your act together .

US gov's got its facts wrong on this one . Free speech is key, even if you're pro-Palestine . Can't let dissenting voices get silenced .

I'm getting so worried about this case . I mean, how can you just detain someone without even knowing what they've done wrong? It's like they're guilty until proven innocent, and that's just not fair . The fact that Sami Hamdi was only allowed to communicate with his wife for 30 seconds after being taken away is just heartbreaking . And now he's stuck in a detention center with no way to talk to his family or even see them in person? It's like they're taking away someone's freedom without giving them any chance to defend themselves . We need to make sure that our governments are prioritizing due process and respecting people's rights, not just punishing them for speaking out .

I don’t usually comment but I feel really sorry for this poor guy and his family . It's crazy how one statement about Palestinians celebrating their "victory" over Israel got taken out of context like that. And now he's stuck in detention with no end in sight, unable to even talk to his own wife for 30 seconds after getting arrested . It's not just Sami Hamdi's case, it's a bigger issue about free speech and how governments can be so quick to silence people who disagree with them . I mean, shouldn't we value freedom of expression, especially in a country that prides itself on being democratic? It's like they're saying "we don't want to listen to your opinions" instead of "we're gonna have a debate about it". Anyway, I just hope Sami Hamdi gets released soon and his family can get some answers .

man, this is getting outta hand the US government is basically silencing anyone who speaks out against Israel or Palestine, it's like they're trying to control everyones thoughts and opinions... Soumaya Hamdi is right though, her husband's comments were taken way out of context, and that video clip from that anti-Muslim org was edited to make him look bad and what's up with revoking his visa just because he's a pro-Palestinian commentator? it's like they're assuming everyone who supports Palestinians is gonna be against the US or something... and now Sami's stuck in this detention center with no way to communicate with his family, that's just cruel

This is getting crazy ! I mean, come on, detaining someone without even knowing what they've done is just not right, you know? It's like they're trying to silence someone who's just speaking out about a cause they care about. And that video clip thingy? Completely fake news . It's so easy for people to misinterpret and take things out of context these days.

And what really gets me is the lack of support from the British government, too . I mean, you'd think they'd at least try to help their own citizen who's in a pretty precarious situation. But nope, just crickets . It's like they're not even taking it seriously.

We need to make some noise about this kind of thing, you know? We can't let our governments get away with silencing people just because they don't agree with them . We need due process, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. Anything less is just unacceptable .

I'm really concerned about this case, it's just not right that someone's been detained without any proper info or support from the government. The fact that his wife only got to talk to him for like 30 seconds after he was taken away is heartbreaking, especially with three kids at home who have no idea why their dad's being held. I think it's crazy that the US government has revoked his visa and said he's a threat to national security without any solid proof. It's like they're trying to silence people just for expressing an opinion or showing support for another country. We need to stand up for free speech and make sure our governments are being transparent and respectful of human rights