Statement in Support of Asim Ghafoor’s Immediate Release from UAE Detention

Statements
Written By AMBA President

We, the American Muslim Bar Association (AMBA), denounce the unjust politically-motivated detention of Asim Ghafoor, a US citizen and human rights lawyer, by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We join our partner organizations in the legal community and amplify the call for the Biden Administration, the State and Justice Department, and all Congressional Representatives to secure Asim’s release with urgency. 

Asim is a longtime advocate for human rights and democracy, well-known as counsel to the slain Washington Post journalist Jamal Kashoggi and co-founding board member for the U.S.-based human rights organization, Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN). He currently represents Khashoggi's fiancé, Hatice Cengiz, in her litigation against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the killing of Khashoggi. 

On July 14, 2022, Asim was arrested and detained in the UAE while transiting through Dubai International Airport on his way to a wedding in Istanbul. Two days later, the UAE authorities informed Asim that he was tried in absentia, convicted, and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on purported charges of “money laundering and tax evasion.” Asim’s trial and sentencing occurred in absentia, without notice of any of the charges against him, ability to review the evidence, or opportunity to present a defense. 

Asim’s continued detention by the UAE, following his absentia trial and sentencing, violates the basic principles of due process and human rights — principles which members of the legal community have promised to uphold. At present, the UAE has seized Asim’s personal electronic devices, which contain sensitive information about himself and his clients, and is denying Asim access to consular services and counsel. The UAE also has a record of engaging in inhumane and retaliatory detention practices. This disturbing denial of rights by the UAE is all part of its intimidation tactics designed to silence those that speak out against undemocratic actions. 

Asim’s political detention is also part of an alarming trend to target advocates of human rights and democracy, such as slain journalists Jamal Kashoggi and Palestinian-American Shireen Abu Akleh, as well as part of the trend by foreign powers to detain US citizens for political leverage such as basketball star Britney Griner. By arresting and convicting Asim in this politically-motivated manner, the UAE threatens the rights of all US citizens passing through its borders, especially advocates, activists, lawyers, and journalists who speak out for the freedoms and rights of others.

The arbitrary arrest and detainment of an American lawyer should be alarming to all in the legal community, as our decisions to provide fair representation to political dissidents or to advocate for basic human rights should not lead to our own political targeting. 

Call To Action

All fellow lawyers, all people of conscience must speak out against this unjust detention. That is why we urge you to call upon your US Senators and Congresspeople to pressure President Biden and the State Department to advocate for Asim’s immediate release and ensure he is receiving access to consular services, counsel, and humane treatment while still in detention: 

Call and Contact your Representatives

Contact any elected official by phone by calling the switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and telling the operator which Senator / Congressional Rep you want to be connected with or by going to https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

  • Use & share this 1-click tool to tweet, post on Facebook, email and call your elected representatives: https://iamc.com/action-alert/#/45 

  • Use this document for latest calls to actions and sample scripts to use when calling elected officials

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AMBA President
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