US court questions legality of pro-Palestine British journalist's detention

A US federal court has raised "serious questions" about the legality of detaining pro-Palestine British journalist Sami Hamdi, according to a legal advocacy group.

The court has blocked the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency from transferring Hamdi out of California. Meanwhile, his case proceeds, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair) said on Saturday.

Cair added that the court recognised that Hamdi's lawyers "raised serious questions regarding whether his detention was retaliation for protected speech under the First Amendment".

The advocacy group described the ruling as "an important first step".

"The court has recognised that this case raises serious constitutional concerns and has acted to ensure Sami cannot be quietly moved away from his lawyers," said Hussam Ayloush, the executive director of Cair's southern California chapter.

"The fight continues for his freedom and for the protection of free speech for everyone."

Earlier, Hamdi's family reported that he had been suffering from severe pain on his left side while in detention. He was later given on-site medical treatment.

Read more: US court questions legality of pro-Palestine British journalist's detention