Advocacy
To be forgotten. To be left behind.
These are perhaps two of the greatest fears any hostage or wrongful detainee will have during their captivity. And, for families whose loved ones are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, making sure neither happens becomes the number one priority. Advocacy, both public and private, is essential. Below are examples of advocacy done on behalf of Emad since his case became publicly known.
Bring Our Families Home Mural
Washington, D.C.
#BringThemHome Projections
New York City
During the September 2022 United Nations General Assembly, large-scale images of Emad and the other wrongful detainees in the Bring Our Family Home Campaign were projected on buildings throughout New York City. In addition, large sidewalk decals Emad and the other wrongful detainees were strategically placed around Manhattan and near the United Nations.
Capital One Arena Ad Campaign
Washington, D.C.
To raise awareness of our innocent Americans wrongfully detained abroad, a video ad campaign was launched in Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. During sporting, music, and all other events at Capital One, videos of Emad and other wrongfully detained Americans were played, with information about their cases and how the public can help bring them home.
Rallies & Public Protest
Washington, D.C. & New York City
Emad’s story has been highlighted through various rallies and press events in front of the White House as well as throughout Washington, D.C and New York city.
Hostage & Wrongful Detainee Flag
In the spring of 2022, advocates, family, and friends of American wrongful detainees came together to design a flag. Similar to the cause of POWs and MIAs, families of hostages and wrongful detainees wanted an official flag to increase attention to Americans wrongly held abroad and increase the urgency to bring them home.
On December 13, 2022, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Representatives Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) and French Hill (R-Ark.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would establish March 9 as an annual National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and also officially codified the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag. The commemoration of a national day will call increased attention to Americans unjustly held abroad and increase the urgency to bring home every wrongfully detained American.
“The death of Florida constituent Robert Levinson, who was the longest-held hostage in American history, was a devastating reminder of the tragic practice of hostage-taking,” said Senator Rubio. “Unfortunately, far too many American families have lived through the nightmare of seeing their loved ones unjustly detained abroad. Establishing the National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day will provide another opportunity to honor individuals like Paul Whelan, Marc Fogel, Kai Li, Emad Shargi, Morad Tahbaz, Theary Seng, and the many American citizens who are suffering in foreign prisons without due cause. We must show our fellow Americans that they have not been forgotten, and at the same time must stop incentivizing our adversaries to take more Americans hostage.”