In the Name of Freedom of Expression
Your Excellency,
We, at FLAG (Flambeau Action Group) are deeply troubled by recent developments concerning the detention of Mr Sami Hamdi, a British journalist and political commentator. According to publicly available reports, Mr Hamdi was detained by the United States’ immigration authorities at San Francisco International Airport after his visa was revoked, while he was on a speaking tour for CAIR (Council of American-Islamic Relations).
The circumstances of his detention raise serious concerns about fundamental rights of expression, free speech, and press freedom, principles that Mauritius has long recognised and upheld in our Constitution and international commitments.
Our main concerns are:
1. Mr Hamdi was reportedly on a scheduled speaking tour when his visa was revoked and he was placed in the custody of the United States’ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
2. Press freedom organisations have expressed alarm that the detention appears motivated by his political commentary and criticism of the ongoing genocide in Palestine, perpetrated by Israel and supported by the USA, rather than any transparent, charge-based legal process.
3. The broader implications are serious: if a visiting speaker or commentator can have their visa revoked and be detained on the basis of their views, it sets a precedent that may affect other journalists, academics, commentators and activists — including those from or operating in small states such as Mauritius.
4. Given Mauritius’ commitment to the protection of human rights, press freedom and international cooperation, there is a diplomatic interest in ensuring that the rights of all persons, whether citizens or visitors, are respected and safeguarded.
We believe that it is of utmost importance that Mauritius took position for the following reasons:
• As a small island state committed to democratic values, neutrality, and respect for international human rights norms, Mauritius has an interest in promoting the rule of law, open discourse and freedom of expression.
• Many citizens of Mauritius engage in international travel, research, speaking engagements and exchange programmes; safeguarding the principle that academic, journalistic or political speech abroad should not be arbitrarily penalised is in our national interest.
• By issuing a clear diplomatic message in this case, the Ministry can reaffirm Mauritius’ commitment to human rights and encourage respect for international norms around visa revocation, due process and freedom of expression.
Therefore, we respectfully request that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consider the following actions:
• Issue a formal statement expressing concern over the detention of Mr Sami Hamdi and calling for a transparent explanation of the grounds on which his visa was revoked and detention effected.
• Encourage the relevant U.S. authorities to provide full due-process rights, review the detention in line with international human rights standards and ensure that any restrictions on speech are properly justified and lawful.
• Engage, through diplomatic channels or multilateral fora, in discussions on the protection of journalists, commentators and visitors from arbitrary or politically motivated immigration or visa enforcement actions.
• Monitor the situation and assess whether Mauritius citizens or residents may face similar risks in other jurisdictions, and update our consular/foreign affairs advisories accordingly.
While the specific facts of Mr Hamdi’s case may be contested, the broader principle is clear: the right to speak, comment and engage publicly, especially on matters of public interest, should not be arbitrarily curtailed by visa revocations or extrajudicial detentions. Mauritius has both a moral and a practical interest in standing for these principles.
We trust that Your Excellency and the Ministry will give this matter the attention it deserves and thank you in advance for any action taken in defence of freedom of expression and human rights, here and abroad.
Yours faithfully,
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