Candlelight Vigil for Mahmood at INS Detention Center

More than 20 people gathered on short notice to show solidarity with Ansar Mahmood at a candlelight vigil held in front of the INS Federal Detention Center in Batavia Thursday night. The vigil was called after Mahmood's request to remain in the United States was turned down on Tuesday. A request to speak to Mahmood was rejected. However, guards at the gate said they would pass on the group's good wishes to him.

People discussed where to go from here -- what can be done for others who have suffered Mahmood's fate, and how events like these can be used to create a stronger political movement.


A second vigil will be held Saturday, July 3, at 9 p.m.