A peaceful protest in NYC took a shocking turn when pro-Palestinian activists allege they were attacked by Egyptian officials, only to be arrested by local police. Video evidence seems to contradict the official narrative, raising questions about diplomatic immunity and justice. What really happened that day?
In a deeply troubling incident that has sparked international concern, pro-Palestinian protesters in New York City allege they were violently attacked by Egyptian diplomatic officials outside their Manhattan building, only to then face arrest and charges from the New York City Police Department. This unfolding controversy highlights the complex interplay between protest rights, diplomatic immunity, and the pursuit of justice amidst conflicting narratives.
The ordeal began when Yasin El Sammak, 22, and his 15-year-old brother arrived to film a peaceful demonstration urging Egypt to facilitate more aid for Gaza residents suffering from starvation. Instead, video evidence provided by another activist depicts a shocking scene: Egyptian government personnel reportedly dragging the two brothers off the street and into the diplomatic building, where they were allegedly subjected to repeated beatings, thrown to the ground, and whipped with a metal chain.
Adding a layer of perplexing injustice, New York City police subsequently arrested El Sammak and his younger brother on felony assault and strangulation charges. This occurred despite witness testimony and footage from the scene appearing to contradict the account provided to police by Egyptian officials, raising serious questions about the initial assessment of the incident by law enforcement.
El Sammak recounted his experience to The Associated Press, expressing deep trauma and confusion over the events. He stated, “Just when the NYPD was supposed to protect us, they instead arrested my brother and me and let those who abused us walk free.” When he and his attorney attempted to file charges against the Egyptian security officials, their efforts were reportedly rebuffed by police, who cited issues of jurisdiction, likely due to international laws granting diplomatic immunity.
The official criminal complaint surprisingly alleged that it was El Sammak who struck an Egyptian official with the chain, causing injury. However, Jacqueline Dombroff, an attorney for El Sammak, vehemently denied this claim, asserting, “It seems like the conduct carried out by the Egyptian officials was wrongly attributed to my client and his brother, the actual victims of the crime.” She further noted that both the NYPD and the district attorney’s office were aware of the footage but had, as of then, refused to dismiss the case against her client.
This altercation is not an isolated event; it resonates with a broader wave of pro-Palestinian protests occurring at Egyptian diplomatic buildings across Europe and other regions. These demonstrations primarily demand that Egypt allow unimpeded humanitarian aid through the Rafah border crossing into the southern Gaza Strip, where a severe humanitarian crisis is rapidly escalating.
While Egyptian officials have publicly condemned aid restrictions and called for an end to the conflict, they deny blocking assistance, stating their side of the Rafah crossing remains open. However, access to the Gaza Strip has been severely hampered since Israel seized control of the Palestinian side of the border. International bodies like the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification have declared parts of Gaza to be in famine, underscoring the urgency of increased aid flow.
The incident also draws parallels to past controversies involving foreign diplomatic actions on U.S. soil. Notably, in 2017, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s bodyguards were involved in altercations outside the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C., leading to lawsuits and criminal charges against some security officials, highlighting the delicate balance between diplomatic protections and local law enforcement.
