Legal Justice Fund

Request to Assist the Legal Justice Fund

For Ehsanul Sadequee

Dear Ally in Justice,

A new chapter in the struggle for human rights has begun, and your help is desperately needed. In several recent criminal cases, tenuous affiliations and otherwise innocuous behavior are the basis for tearing American Muslim/Arab/South Asian families apart. The Sadequee family is the latest victim in this attack on our human rights. Your help can make the difference, not just in this case but in the struggle for human rights.

On April 17 2006 , 19-year old Ehsanul Sadequee, a Virginia born US citizen, was kidnapped off the streets of Bangladesh by unidentified armed men, while shopping with his new wife. For days the family had no idea where he was or who was responsible. In apparent violation of Bangladeshi laws regarding treatment of citizens and non-citizens, Ehsanul was kept in custody at unidentified locations for several days, while the law enforcement authorities denied having any knowledge of his whereabouts.  Ehsanul was then handed over to the US government, a process called "rendering", which was only revealed after the US news media broke the story. The circumstances of the transfer to the US and Ehsanul's treatment in the course of the transfer remain unclear.  Ehsanul is currently in custody in the Northern District of Georgia facing criminal charges of “attempting to conspire to provide material support.”

On May 16 2006, the Bangladesh High Court issued a show cause notice to the Bangladesh government to explain within two weeks why the kidnap, detention and deportation of Ehsanul Sadequee to the United States would not be declared illegal. This issuing followed two writ petitions, one filed on behalf of Ehsanul’s wife Happy and another filed by Supreme Court advocate MK Hasan.  The circumstances surrounding Ehsanul’s arrest, detention and prosecution raise serious concerns about the underlying fairness of his proceedings.  None of these answers are clear.  The reality of today’s political climate is that anyone can have their human rights stripped at the whim of a few people.

Over two years in solitary confinement and his family is unable to get contact visit with him. On a routine cell shakedown prison guards have ransacked his cell and tattered religious books, including the Quran. Ehsanul’s health has deteriorated and has also been diagnosed with several health problems by prison officials, and the family is attempting to get a physician to examine him. Additionally, court appointed attorneys have been unable to understand many materials of the case related to religious beliefs and practices.

Why was Ehsanul transferred in such secret conditions from Bangladesh? Why is he suffering from health illnesses? How is he to get a fair trial when defense attorneys do not understand the cultural and religious context of case materials? Why is the family facing years of legal struggle? The circumstances surrounding Ehsanul's arrest, detention and prosecution raise serious concerns about the underlying fairness of his proceedings.  None of these answers are clear.  The reality of today's political climate is that anyone can have their human rights stripped at the whim of a few people.

A coalition of individuals, community groups and lawyers has formed the Legal Justice Fund to coordinate assistance for Ehsanul's family. We recognize this is not just about one case, but about how the so-called "War on Terrorism" is rolling back decades of human rights victories. By mounting a vigorous defense in this one case, right now, we declare that human rights belong to everyone and are not privileges granted by a powerful few.

Members of the Sadequee family face tremendous difficulties in ensuring their brother/son receives a fair defense. No one in the family has deep pockets to afford costly representation. Simply retaining a criminal defense counsel experienced in national security matters is very costly. Evidence from Bangladesh, Canada, and perhaps even Pakistan may be relevant and necessary to the proceedings. Deeply concerned about Ehsanul's welfare, his family members seek YOUR financial assistance to help ensure that their beloved son and brother receive a fair trial.

Through discussions with Ehsanul's likely counsel, we have identified a series of resources that would be valuable to ensuring a full defense for Ehsanul. We appeal to all community members standing in solidarity for justice and freedom. Your financial contribution will cover costs needed in legal expenses that include:

• Court Fees
• Legal Investigation in the US and Canada
• Translation assistance (possibly Arabic, Bengali, and/or Urdu)
• Foreign legal assistance (Canada, Bangladesh ; Pakistan): deposition coordination
• Legal Research

With your contribution, the Legal Justice Fund can assist the Sadequee family in securing the necessary resources for a fair defense at a time when fairness is hard to come by. It is difficult to predict the length of legal proceedings and total costs that the Sadequee family may incur for their son's defense.  Therefore, we intend to provide long-term support for legal proceedings. We need to raise $150,000-$200,000 for trial.

PLEASE take a few moments to make your generous contribution payable* to the LEGAL JUSTICE FUND at the address on the form below or visit www.legaljusticefund.org to pay online.

Every dollar that you donate assists in ensuring that justice and fairness is upheld. The Sadequee family and Legal Justice Fund thanks you in advance for taking the time to offer your support.

Sincerely in Solidarity,

The Legal Justice Fund

Ps. The donation form and details are below. Please feel free to contact us with any questions at

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PLEASE take a few moments to make your generous donation payable to

Legal Justice Fund* at the address below:

P. O. Box 823

Kennesaw, GA 30156

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