Hamdan (left) and his sister.

DETROIT — Dearborn Heights resident Mohammad Hassan Hamdan pleaded not guilty on Friday, April 25 at the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan to charges of  “attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization” made by the FBI and the U.S. District Attorney’s Office.  

Hamdan, 22, has been detained since March 16 when he was arrested at Detroit Metro Airport for allegedly attempting to fly to Lebanon and join militant group Hizbullah to fight in the Syrian conflict. 

Hamdan had allegedly told an undercover FBI informant of his plans during two recorded audio conversations in the months leading up to his arrest. At his probable cause hearing in March, Hamdan’s family attested to his innocence and pointed out that he possessed health problems that would make it difficult for him to join the militant group.

Despite his family offering to put up six of their homes as collateral, a judge denied him bond in fear that he would flee and fail to show up in court. The judge did state that he didn’t see Hamdan as a threat to the country.

Earlier this month, a grand jury was selected to review the case and determine whether there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. The prosecution asked Hamdan’s youngest sister, Hiba, to point out alleged native Lebanese friends of Hamdan in a photographic exhibit that depicted them displaying their support for Hizbullah.

The grand jury ultimately indicted Hamdan, concluding that there was enough evidence to move the case forward. Hamdan’s defense, however, is now aiming to potentially file a motion for discovery of evidence and a motion for another bond hearing.  His lawyers also hope to possibly file a motion to dismiss the case entirely, depending on the evidence that emerges. 

Hamdan’s defense team hopes to dig deeper into his First Amendment and freedom of speech rights, as well as to determine whether the NSA had probable cause to monitor Hamdan’s phone conversations, along with other forms of spying tactics.

Hamdan’s attorneys also look to question the intent of the informant who reported him to the FBI. It was revealed during court hearings that the local man was excused from an immigration problem with the government in exchange for his informant work. 

Meanwhile, a friend of Hamdan’s family says they have been suffering since his arrest.

“The family is doing very bad. His mother is losing the house and his father is now in debt and resorting to loans to pay for the attorney. They are getting rid of their homes and cars. It is not a good situation for them,” said James Makled. 

Makled says that Hamdan’s friends and family are still confident that he will be acquitted of the charges. They are satisfied with the judge in the case, Gerald Rosen. 

Judge Rosen was formerly affiliated with the FBI and is familiar with proper protocol. 

It can take up to six months for the case to proceed to a trial. Makled says he hopes in the meantime that the community comes together and relay some concerns to the government over the handling of the case.

“I understand a lot of our people are wary whenever the FBI is involved. But this is a case that could set a precedent to all our children and we should all get involved in this,” Makled adds.