WarCriminalsWatch Events

On January 18th, as we commemorate Martin Luther King who peacefully spoke out against war, racism and injustice, members of THAW (Theaters Against War) and friends, family and supporters of Fahad Hashmi ask that you join us for a special Free Fahad Vigil across from the MCC, Metropolitan Correctional Center, in New York City, where Fahad Hashmi has been detained for two and half years before trial under conditions of severe solitary confinement.

The MLK Day vigil will include theater and film luminaries Andre Gregory (My Dinner With Andre, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Bonfire of the Vanities), Wallace Shawn (The Princess Bride, Gossip Girl, My Dinner With Andre), Bill Irwin (currently starring on Broadway in Bye Bye Birdie), Kathleen Chalfant (Angels in America, Wit, Talking Heads) as well as former New York Times journalist and best-selling author (War Is A Force That Gives Us Meaning) Chris Hedges, folksinger Dar Williams, and peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Cindy Sheehan. The denial of civil rights has been a central theme of the weekly vigils (which started on October 19, 2009) and many who have participated in the vigils have cited King's life and speeches specifically with regard to the issues facing Mr. Hashmi and his lawyers now.

Fahad Hashmi, a 29 year old Muslim American citizen and Brooklyn College alumnus, has been held in solitary confinement since May 2007 at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in lower Manhattan. He is charged with two counts of providing material support and two counts of making a contribution of goods or services to Al Qaeda. His case raises concerns about the conditions of his detention and his ability to receive a fair trial. He is subject to a regime of severe deprivation, including 24-hour electronic monitoring, 23-hour lockdown, no access to fresh air, and one hour of daily recreation (when it is given) inside a cage. Physical and mental consequences of prolonged solitary confinement may impair his mental state and ability to testify on his own behalf. Also of concern are threats to First Amendment rights.

See a map for the location.

Trains: 4,5,6,J,M,Z to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall

Sponsor: Theaters Against War
Questions? 206-312-2201 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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