A Somali man was held by the U.S. officials and was denied the permission to over fly the United States. The U.S. officials did not bother to give any explanation on this issue that how this man could be a threat to a commercial jet. Abdirahaman Ali Gaal has been held for his outspoken views about U.S. policy in the Middle East, frequent comments on an internet website and his recent travel to Mauritania in Northern Africa to study Islam.
Gaal’s brother, Abdifatah Gaal expressed his feelings of disgust and anger by saying that his brother is not able to understand that why he has been detained. This is especially when he was assured by the U.S. officials that he will not be restricted from entering the nation. The case was formally received by the U.S. officials when the authorities denied permission for the Aero-Mexico flight he was on, traveling from Paris to Mexico City to fly over the United States.
The Canadian officials arrested Gaal before turning him over to the U.S. officials. A new fact has come into light that the U.S. officials have claimed that Gaal was on ‘no fly’ list, complied by the government of people banned from flying in the United States.
Gaal confessed that he has committed an offence by applying for a refugee status in Canada in October 2008 in order to get rid of his legal permanent residence in the United States by moving out of the nation for more than 10 months. But in a situation like this, a person is not usually put into a ‘no fly’ list which includes about 6,000 people.
As per the media reports, Gaal holds strong beliefs and ideas regarding political matters which he abides by. He also said that Gaal feels that he has not done anything wrong for which he has been arrested. He had critical views for U.S policies in the Middle East and went on air to express his view on the same. In fact, he went to Mauritania in Northern Africa to study Islam. There, Gaal’s wife informed him on phone that Canadian police came to enquire about him. At the U.S. Embassy, he was assured that there are no restrictions on him to return to his home. He even called the FBI to check on his status.
Gaal’s brother said that Gaal wanted to meet his mother in Seattle, Washington. His hand was found broken when he got down from the aircraft in Montréal but he maintained his calm and didn’t show any resistance.Gaal then went to the U.S. Embassy in Mauritania and was told there is an impediment on him returning home.
The above case clearly demonstrates the threat that the US authorities feel when it comes to such open views and Islam in particular. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that since Gaal is a legal permanent resident of the United States, he has the freedom of expression. Also, no matter how strongly he has felt over particular issues, he has never imposed his opinions over others. Agreed that some lines have drawn, but denying the basic freedom of expression would be wrong.
On the other hand, if Gaal despised the US so much, sooner or later he would leave the nation. This clearly shows in his attempt to remain away from the nation for a period of 10 months. All in all, the case should be looked into detail before concluding upon a decision.
