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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

www.freefarouk.org
freefarouk.netfirms.com
freefarouk@yahoo.com