UK journalist Sami Hamdi released from US immigration detention after visa revocation
JournalismPakistan.com | Published last month | JP Middle East Desk
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UK journalist Sami Hamdi was detained in the U.S. for criticizing Israel during a Gaza-focused tour and has been released, highlighting rising concerns over cross-border press freedom.Summary
LONDON — British journalist and pro-Palestinian commentator Sami Hamdi has been released from U.S. immigration detention after being held for more than two weeks at San Francisco International Airport, aljazeera.com reported.
Hamdi, 35, was stopped on October 26 while on a speaking tour addressing Israel’s war in Gaza and detained after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unexpectedly revoked his visa. Lawyers representing Hamdi say the only reason for his detention was his public criticism of Israel, not any criminal or security violations.
Hamdi’s detention has drawn widespread concern among press freedom advocates, human rights groups, and academic organizations. Experts warn that visa revocations can become a tool to suppress journalists who report critically on international conflicts, particularly those covering politically sensitive topics such as the Israel-Palestine crisis. The case also highlights the challenges faced by journalists operating across borders, where local and international laws intersect in ways that can put reporters at risk.
During his detention, Hamdi was reportedly held in standard immigration facilities and faced limited access to legal counsel. His release comes amid growing calls for U.S. authorities to review procedures that restrict journalists’ freedom of movement and expression, especially when the content of their work draws attention from governments or influential interest groups. Academic institutions, including SOAS University of London, and media freedom organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists, have publicly expressed support for Hamdi and urged stronger protections for journalists reporting from conflict zones.
The incident underscores broader global concerns about press freedom and the protection of journalists, particularly those who cover contentious international conflicts. Advocates warn that such detentions could have a chilling effect on reporting, leading to self-censorship and reduced coverage of critical events affecting human rights and international law.
Photo: Sami Hamdi (X @SALHACHIMI)
