Greetings to all,

First I’d like to apologize for the late update to all of the donors of the Save Basit campaign, but as most may now Ahmed was freed in August and granted asylum. 

The initial reason for this crowdfunding was to raise funds that’ll help in case he was eligible for bail, but his bond was denied the month before he was granted asylum so the funds were no longer needed. Because of this, we’ve refunded all of the donated money back to the donors. I’d like to thank every single donor and active advocate who was a prime factor to why Ahmed is free and teaching today! 

August 23rd, 2018

For Immediate Release

RE: Official statement regarding Ahmed’s release from the ICE detention

Moments ago, Ahmed Abdelbasit was released from Elizabeth Detention Center following Judge Daniel Morris’ decision on Tuesday to grant him asylum. Basit came to the United States two years ago and applied for asylum due to the political persecution he faced in Egypt. In 2014 Basit was tried in absentia by an Egyptian military court and received the death sentence based on politicized charges. On April 5th, 2018, he was detained by ICE authorities and his case was sent to immigration court. Today, Basit will be released and reunited with his loved ones. He will spend his first moments of freedom with his family, friends, and students at the high school he taught at, Rising Star Academy.

We the students of the #SaveBasit campaign would like to thank everyone for their tireless efforts in calling for Basit’s release and request for asylum. We would especially like to thank the Deputy Legal Director at Human Rights First, Anwen Hughes, Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, Human Rights Watch , Amnesty International USA, The 6th of April movement in the US, human rights advocates across the world and last but not least The Rising Star faculty and students. The culmination of efforts resulted in the campaign’s success in attaining Ahmed’s release.

For media inquiries, please contact saveabdelbasit@gmail.com