We are shocked and disappointed by today’s verdict. These proceedings arose following the misguided and hasty arrest of Hicham for possessing genuine research material on the university campus, and the subsequent public outcry no doubt cause embarrassment for the authorities. Hicham’s initial arrested was described as a serious ‘cock-up’ by Nottingham South MP Alan Simpson - and despite being released without charge, Hicham was immediately re-arrested under the Immigration Act. These proceedings have been described as politically motivated and an attempt to overshadow the initial blunder and embarrassment of the terror arrests, which sparked and international debate about academic freedom in British universities.

More importantly the Home Office attempt to deport Hicham without trial resulted in one of the biggest anti-deportation campaigns seen in British history. This campaign continues to stand by Hicham as an invaluable and much-loved member of the Nottingham community in his fight against an unjust deportation.

On Sunday 15 February, Hich will be performing in the celebrated show ‘Four Heartbeats, One Rhythm: A Night of Traditional and Contemporary Palestinian Dance and Music’ (featuring Oud Master and Singer Nizar Al Issa).

All funds raised will be dedicated to the emergency appeal for Gaza.

Sunday 15th February 2009
7.30pm
£12 / £10 / £15 on the night

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The exhibition of Hich’s ‘Tête à Tête: Conversations in Z Minor‘ cartoons has ended at Lee Rosy’s Tea Shop in Hockley. The quirky and erudite cartoon series has received widespread praise and acclaim. A full exhibition, where the original cartoons (many of which were drawn in detention) will be available for purchase, will be advertised very soon. Watch this space.

On Monday, 19th January. Hicham will introduce and chair a unique event: The only chance to see two former Guantamano detainees and a former Guantanamo guard speak in Nottingham about their experiences. Not to be missed - even if you have exams!

Guantanamo Bay stands as one of the most potent symbols of unlawful detention in the world today. The detention of suspected terrorists as the prison camps has evoked emotion from those seeking its closure and continuance.

Cageprisoners presents Two Sides – One Story­, a tour of the UK that brings those on opposite sides of wire at Guantanamo together for the first time.

Chris Arendt, a former guard at the base has agreed to speak about his experiences in detaining suspected terrorists and bring new insights into the way the US administration carried out policies against them.

Also for the first time the detained Al Jazeera journalist Sami El Haj will be speaking with Moazzam Begg as they both reflect on life at the prison on the opposite to Chris.

Time: 6:30PM - Monday 19th January 2009

Location: A48, Clive Granger Building, Nottingham University Main Campus

Free Entry

Hich will speak at an event organised by CAMPACC, the London Guantánamo Campaign, London Against Injustice and others. The event is a commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Speakers/panel: Professor AC Grayling (on Surveillance), Andy Worthington (author of the Guantanamo Files), Hicham Yezza (editor of Ceasefire magazine and recent detainee), Vivienne Westwood and others. Q&A with panellists, followed by discussion on where to take the UK civil rights movement.

Time: Wednesday 10th December, 6pm
Location: New Theatre, LSE Houghton St WC2 (nearest tube Holborn/Temple)
Website: http://www.peopleincommon.org

On tuesday, 9th December, Hicham is to address an audience from The University of Kent staff and students (including the Kent Law School) on the subject of his ordeal at the hands of the Home Office and the wider topic of the erosion of civil liberties. The role and collusion of the University of Nottingham’s senior management in the debacle will also be highlighted.

Milan Rai, celebrated activist and author will deliver a talk on Thursday 27th Nov on the topic of “Why does the Media Lie: The Chomsky-Herman Propoganda Model”. This will be an interesting follow-up to last week’s film screening of the documentary “Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media”.

Hich will chair the talk which will be followed by a Q&A discussion.

The talk will take place in room LG19 (Trent Building, Main Campus) at 7pm and is organised by the Nottingham Student Peace Movement.

Hicham gave a speech at the plenary session of the NUS Black Students Campaign conference. Hicham received the backing and the support of the Campaign in his current ordeal. His contribution centered on the fears and concerns of many Muslim and international students in Nottingham University about the behaviour of the Nottingham University authorities. The discussion led to a wider debate about how to ensure Nottingham University students do not live in fear of being the victims of bigotry, Islamophobia and racism. Further developments on this matter will be announced soon.

On Friday 21st November, Hicham will introduce a screening of “Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media”.The screening will be at 7PM in room C11 (Portland Building, Nottingham University Main Campus).

Hich will talk about the continuing relevance of this landmark multi-award-winning documentary which discusses mass media, propaganda and thought control in democratic societies. This event is part of the Nottingham Student Peace Movement’s Cinema Pacifico film series. For a list of past and future screenings please click here.

For any queries please contact staffandstudents@gmail.com

ITV News ran a piece on Saturday, Nov 15th about the Free Hich campaign, it mentionned Hicham’s current legal fight, his delight to finally get his day in court and the impressive continued success of the Free Hich campaign.

The piece can be seen here (at the 1:15 minute mark) and also discusses the Feature Documentary currently being filmed about the campaign by a Franco-Italian production team.