Tag Archives: Rezwan Ferdaus

The following was written by Ahmed Sorour (Ibn Zawaar) of the Free Tarek Mehanna Campaign  concerning the detention hearing, held on October 3rd, 2011 of Rezwan Ferdaus - an American Muslim currently held in captivity at a Rhode Island detention center. All quotes are paraphrased. Any and all errors are unintentional.

Wrapping things up after the pre-trial hearing of Tariq [see footnote 1], someone mentions that Rezwan Ferdaus has an arraignment hearing later in the afternoon. Most of us know about it, but we hadn’t bothered to coordinate with each other who would attend. It’s actually kind of funny – the only reason I was able to make Tariq’s hearing today was because I had made arrangements earlier in the week to attend Rezwan’s court appointment. Even more interesting is the fact that had American prosecutors not forced Tariq’s lawyer’s to delay his trial, originally scheduled for October 3′rd, none of us would have been able to make Rezwan’s hearing. It’s truly amazing how Allah (عزوجل) arranges our affairs.

With the hearing and courthouse hours away [see footnote 2], a convoy of supporters heads out of Boston, eventually breaking ways to tend to their affairs (praying, errands, etc.). Converging on Worcester, each group begins to scour the streets in search of the federal courthouse. With between two and three courthouses in the same vicinity (Main St.) there’s some delay in arriving at the building. Making our way through the sea of reporters, we pass through the metal detector and hand over our electronics to a court attendant.

Arriving at the fifth floor, and entering courtroom #1, we see that the hearing is already underway. The courtroom is absolutely packed. Two bailiffs flank the doorway, and to my right, I see what have to be news reporters and federal agents filling two bench sections. To my left, I see Proff. Mehanna, Tarek’s father, along with his wife. Directly in front of them, filling three rows of benches, are Rezwan’s friends and family. Past the court divider, on the left hand table, I see a slender man with auburn hair dressed in a beige prison jumpsuit … it’s Rezwan. To his right, a woman in a pantsuit (who’s undoubtedly defending him) is diligently taking notes as an American prosecutor reads aloud the charges filed against him; they seem to go on forever.

As the hearing is adjourned, another detention hearing is announced for November 4′th, and a tentative date of November 14′th is set for a status hearing. With his tall frame becoming more apparent as he stands up, Rezwan looks upon his crowd of supporters as he’s being shackled. The milk-white of his wide eyes contrast sharply with his hazel pupils which seem focused. “We love you!” his family shouts, to which he softly replies, “I love you too.” A man who looks to be Rezwan’s brother – impeccably dressed in a sweater and red tie, comforts their mother as she wipes away tears.

Leaving the courtroom, several American Muslims from Boston and the surrounding area could be seen amongst the crowd. Of particular interest to reporters though, was the man in the sport coat – Proff. Mehanna,

“Mr. Mehanna, Mr. Mehanna … why did you come out today?“

“I came to support him and his family.“

“Mr. Mehanna, Mr. Mehanna … do you think it’s a coincidence that Mr. Ferdaus was arrested one month prior to the start of your son’s official trial? “

“What do you think?“

The reporters are circling Tariq’s father like vultures. They seem more interested in him than with Rezwan’s family. As we head down in the elevator, one of the American Muslims who came to support Rezwan asks, “Who the F!@# were those guys?“, referring to the reporters. The colorful Beantown language aside, it was an amusing question.

Exiting the building, family and supporters are assaulted by a swarm of between ten and fifteen cameramen wielding shoulder mounted cameras, and almost the same number of reporters brandishing hand recorders. FOX News’ Boston based ground reporter Bob Ward was the first to advance on the family, with several other reporters following in tow. As much as the family and supporters wanted to leave the scene, the media – forming a barrier of about 16m., hampered their movement. In the ensuing frenzy, and earnest desire of the media to capture images of family and supporters, the cameramen began shooting their cameras indiscriminately at anyone who was within walking distance of the building.

Walking for a few minutes, a ground reporter follows me,

“Sir, sir … can I ask you a few questions … sir?“

He doesn’t even know who I am. Everyone parts ways, and we all retire for the evening to recuperate from the day’s excitement.

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[1] Tariq Mehanna: An American Muslim activist & writer held under solitary confinement since October 2009 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. American officials accuse him of translating an Arabic booklet, and thus aiding terrorism.

[2] Whereas Tariq’s hearing was held in Boston, Rezwan Ferdaus’ hearing was held in Worcester – approximately an hour’s drive away.