ACTION ALERT: WRITE TO FOREIGN SECRETARY YVETTE COOPER AND URGE HER TO INTERVENE IN THE DETENTION OF BRITISH COMMENTATOR SAMI HAMDİ
Monday October 27 2025
British commentator Sami Hamdi, a well-known journalist and outspoken critic of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, was arrested in the US on Sunday, seemingly due to his vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Hamdi – a UK citizen – was detained by agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after arriving at San Francisco Airport to board a flight to Florida for a scheduled speaking engagement. The exact nature and basis of his detention remain unclear, raising serious concerns about violations of his rights. It appears that Hamdi’s detention stems directly from his commentary and activism, particularly his strong criticism of Israel’s war on the people of Gaza.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported that “earlier this morning, ICE agents abducted British Muslim journalist and political commentator, Sami Hamdi, at San Francisco Airport, apparently in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government during his ongoing speaking tour.”
Hamdi had spoken at a CAIR event on Saturday, and was travelling to his next engagement in Florida when he was arrested. CAIR has confirmed that Hamdi remains in custody and has not been deported.This development raises grave concerns for the rights and safety of British journalists, activists, and citizens visiting the United States who have expressed criticism of Israel or its ongoing war on Gaza.
Write to the Foreign Secretary NOW
We are calling on the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to take urgent diplomatic action to secure the immediate release of Sami Hamdi and ensure that his rights as a British citizen are fully upheld.
ACT NOW
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STEP 1:
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STEP 2:
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STEP 3:
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STEP 4:
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“Dear Foreign Secretary,
I am writing as a concerned constituent to raise serious concerns about the arrest and continued detention of British commentator Sami Hamdi by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in San Francisco.
Mr Hamdi - a UK citizen and respected journalist - was reportedly detained following his vocal criticism of Israel’s genocide in Gaza during a public speaking tour. If accurate, this represents an alarming violation of his fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, due process, and consular protection under international law.
As Foreign Secretary, you have both a legal and moral responsibility to protect British citizens abroad, particularly in cases where there is credible evidence of arbitrary or politically motivated detention. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963) guarantees British nationals the right to immediate access to consular assistance. The UK Government must ensure these protections are upheld without delay.
Moreover, the UK has an obligation to champion freedom of speech and defend international law. Allowing a British citizen to be detained in apparent retaliation for his lawful political views undermines the principles our country stands for and sets a dangerous precedent for all UK nationals travelling abroad.
I therefore urge you to:
1. Engage immediately with U.S. authorities to demand clarification of the legal basis for Mr Hamdi’s detention and call for his immediate release;
2. Ensure full consular access and legal representation for Mr Hamdi, in line with international obligations;
Publicly reaffirm the UK Government’s commitment to protecting British citizens abroad and defending the right to free speech;
3. Raise this case in Parliament and provide an update on the actions taken by the FCDO to secure Mr Hamdi’s release and guarantee his safety.
The UK must not remain silent while one of its citizens is detained for expressing lawful political opinions. I urge you to act swiftly to ensure Mr Hamdi’s immediate release and safe continuation of his work.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
”