Refugee Voices – Abdalmageed From Sudan
Protecting the persecuted is a core American ideal. At Human Rights First, we help asylum seekers who fled persecution and violence navigate the complex U.S. legal system by matching them with high-quality pro bono attorneys. Explore Abdalmageed's inspiring journey from persecution to freedom.
Represented by Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Abdalmageed is a citizen of Sudan who has devoted his entire adult life to promoting human rights in his home country. His work focused on women’s rights, the plight of internally displaced refugees, and victims of the conflict in Darfur.
Because of his dedication to human rights, the Sudanese government kidnapped, blindfolded, and detained him for several months. He was brutally tortured and threatened with death many times. Following significant international pressure on the Sudanese government, Mr. Haroun was released and eventually fled to the United States, where he applied for asylum.
Human Rights First assigned Abdalmageed’s case to Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, where he was represented before the Asylum Office by Dan Brown, Jane Qin, Paul Garrity, and Amanda Zablocki. The team at Sheppard Mullin not only helped Abdalmageed receive asylum, but they also provided assistance with his adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.
WATCH ABDALMAGEED’S STORY
“WHEN I CAME HERE, PEOPLE THEY SAID TO ME, THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT, VERY COMPLICATED PROCESS, THE REFUGEE AND ASYLUM PROCESS. I DON’T KNOW HOW TO THANK HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST AND SHEPPARD MULLIN.”
—ABDALMAGEED
HUMAN RIGHTS IN SUDAN
Sudan is a country that has been marked by genocide and warfare. Human rights activists are frequently targeted for persecution.
The Sudanese government uses torture against members of the political opposition, civil society activists, and journalists – often arresting and detaining these individuals incommunicado, without charge. Detainees like Abdalmageed are regularly subjected to harsh interrogation tactics, such as being forced to endure extreme temperature variations.
LAWYERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
“I was very happy because I got the news [that] Sheppard Mullin [took my case]. Sheppard Mullin helped me a lot. And they continue to help me.”
—Abdalmageed
Human Rights First has been proud to partner with Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, which has taken asylum cases through our asylum program for several years. We are grateful for the firm’s excellent work on behalf of many refugees who have received asylum in the United States because of the great lawyering of Sheppard Mullin attorneys.
Human Rights First awarded the 2011 Marvin Frankel Award for pro bono service to Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP.
