On Wednesday, July 21, 2004, as he finished speaking at an
event in Philadelphia, New York City-based Palestinian activist Farouk
Abdel-Muhti lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital, where he was
pronounced dead around 10pm.
On the evening of Wednesday, July 21, 2004, as he finished speaking at an
event in Philadelphia, New York City-based Palestinian activist Farouk
Abdel-Muhti lost consciousness. Paramedics tried unsuccessfully to revive
him at the scene, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he was
pronounced dead around 10pm. His close friend Sharin Chiarazzo was at his
side. The cause of death has not been determined.
Farouk was speaking at a panel discussion titled “Detentions and Torture:
Building Resistance,” at the Philadelphia Ethical Society, giving personal
testimony on his experience being detained for nearly two years and
focusing on the struggle to build a movement against detentions.
Farouk’s family and friends are devastated and in shock. Farouk would have
celebrated his 57th birthday in a few weeks, on August 9th. While his
health had not recovered from his two years in detention (including eight
months in solitary confinement), no one suspected his life was at risk.
We will let you know about funeral arrangements as soon as we can.
Democracy Now has a story on Farouk’s passing, and has posted a recording of
his final speech:
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/07/22/1349215
Committee for the Release of Farouk Abdel-Muhti
