After one year in ICE detention, Leqaa Kordia was released on March 16, following sustained advocacy from Amnesty International USA and its supporters nationally and around the world. Leqaa, who had been in the process of securing legal residency in the USA, was detained after peacefully protesting for the human rights of Palestinians. Members of Amnesty International sent more than 60,000 letters to the Department of Homeland Security demanding her freedom.
On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., Leqaa recorded this message of thanks to Amnesty International members:
“My name is Leqaa Kordia. I just want to show my deep appreciation and respect for all the Amnesty members. First, for your incredible advocating on my behalf, for still supporting, continuing to support me and others.
—Leqaa Kordia
And also for sending the hundreds of letters that I deeply appreciate. It truly lifted up my spirits when I was there. It made me feel like I’m not forgotten, that people care about me, that when we come together, we can change something.
So I truly appreciate you. Keep it going. We are not free until everybody else is free. Thank you very much.“
Learn more about our work to defend free expression and peaceful protest.