Organizing against oppression!

Twenty-Eight year old Syed (Fahad)Hashmi currently sits in a cell in the special housing unit of NYC's Metropolitan Facility awaiting trial. Syed was extradited to the U.S from the U.K as a result of an indictment filed in May 2006 on charges that he conspired to provide support to a terror group overseas. There was a detention hearing in New York and the government stated Syed allowed his acquaintance Junaid Babar to stay at Syed's apartment in the UK. It is claimed that Junaid had items destined for Afghanistan and all Syed did, according to the U.S Government, was allow Junaid to stay a couple of days, allow Junaid to use Syed's cell phone, and help Junaid carry his luggage to the cab.

Who is Syed Hashmi?

Known to friends and family as Fahad, He is a loving, caring, deeply religious man. Fahad who grew up and lived in New York was a political science graduate, traveled to London seeking his master's degree in the same field. Shortly after his graduation he was arrested, and remains in custody.

Everyone finds themselves at a loss of words when attempting to describe him. Fahad's positive impact on his family, friends, and community was unquestionable. He always strived to seek knowledge, strengthen his own character, and teach whatever he had learned. Fahad was active in the propagation of Islam, and general da'wah work. He was a humanitarian, an activist, and undoubtedly an integral part of the Muslim community. His outspoken and active nature placed him in the public eye, however he was always well prepared to elaborate on any discourse and defend his ideas. Everyone knows Fahad Hashmi as an intellectual, an academic, and at times a dissident, however the furthest thing away from a militant. He has no criminal record, no history of drugs, or violence. Always amicable, and respectable, Fahad is deeply missed by all his friends, family and the Muslim community as whole.

Fahad Hashmi is not a criminal. He deserves the same freedom that we all enjoy. Fahad is being punished for exercising his first amendment right to free speech, and religion. They plan to convict Fahad based upon his vocal objections to US foreign policy. Fahad Hashmi has been stripped of his rights because he was a strong, outspoken Muslim. Our community can not sit by and let this happen without a fight. A fight for our rights to voice opinions that may be unpopular in this current environment regardless of how sincere or well meaning those peaceful expressions may be.
Find out more by visiting the website: www.freefahad.com