US Indymedia [2] has posted a short story on the July 22 vigil held at New York City's federal building to mark the one-year anniversary of the passing of Farouk Abdel-Muhti. That was the same spot where Farouk's friends and supporters had gathered weekly to demand his release during the two years the local Palestinian spokesman and activist was illegally held by federal immigration authorities. Farouk had been released in April 2004 following a long legal struggle and activist campaign. Here is what Indymedia wrote up on the memorial, but go to their website for photos:
Those who worked to free Farouk from detention and who loved and supported Farouk gathered in front of the BICE [Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement] building in NYC to commemorate his life and his struggle. Thursday, July 21st was the anniversary of Farouk Abdel-Muhti's sudden death last year just 100 days after the government was finally forced to release him from immigration detention.
On Friday, July 22nd, at 12 noon, a vigil was attended by over two dozen for Farouk in front of the Federal Building in New York, at 26 Federal Plaza--the time and place of the vigils we held every week during Farouk's confinement. Speakers included Sharin Chiorazzo, Farouk's fiancee, two from Farouk's legal team Joel Kupferman, executive director of the Environmental Law and Justice Project and Shayana Kadidal of the Center for Constitutional Rights, and civil rights attorney Lynne Stewart (photos included). At the vigil we remembered Farouk and rededicated ourselves to the struggle he lived for, demanding the release of all immigration detainees.
A note from Farouk's fiancee Sharin and son Tarek:
We are doing this as a tribute to the life of Farouk and his worthwhile contributions to human rights and in defense of the rights of the Palestinian people. Allah Yarhamouh!
Venceremos!
Long live Palestine!
Sincerely,
Sharin Chiorazzo and Tarek Abdel-Muhti
More photos of the vigil are online at the Socialist Party [3] website, and more memorials at the Free Farouk [4] site.
See also our obituary [5] of Farouk Abdel-Muhti from WW4 REPORT #101
