Press Release: 1/12/2026
CAIR-MA Welcomes Sentencing of Man Who Threatened Anti-Genocide Protesters with an Axe, Advocated for ‘More Serious Punishment’
- January 9, 2026
- 10:33 am
The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA) welcomed the sentencing of Matthew Freeman, who was charged with civil rights and assault offenses after threatening pro-Palestinian demonstrators with an axe last August, while saying the civil rights organization advocated for a “more serious punishment.”
CAIR-MA represents the victim in the case, Fawaz Abusharkh, a well-known Palestinian Muslim activist.
SEE: CAIR-MA Welcomes Hate Crime Charge for Axe-Wielding Driver Who Threatened Anti-Genocide Protesters
[NOTE: Last year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which revealed that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.]
A widely circulated video showed Freeman in Harvard Square, screaming slurs and obscenities from his car. He then opened his car door and threatened demonstrators with an axe. The car door struck Mr. Abusharkh, who was standing nearby.
Judge Hilary McCamic sentenced Freeman to one year of probation plus several conditions with which he must comply. They include a mental health evaluation, an order to participate in a class on Islam, and a prohibition on possessing firearms or other dangerous weapons.
CAIR-MA Legal Director Barbara J. Dougan said:
“Given the level of threatened violence, we advocated for the more serious punishment sought by the Middlesex District Attorney, a suspended sentence with the possibility of jail time. Nevertheless, we are pleased that this matter has been resolved. We thank the Middlesex DA’s office for recognizing that Freeman interfered with Mr. Abusharkh’s constitutional right to criticize a foreign government – a right that is increasingly under attack. Most of all, we thank Mr. Abusharkh for standing up to those who use the threat of violence to silence activists demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza.”
Fawaz Abusharkh was disappointed in the sentence but vowed to continue his activism:
“In my victim impact statement, I said I hoped that my right to justice wouldn’t be sacrificed just because Freeman needs help. I hoped for a sentence that included both. But it seems like he just got a slap on the wrist. Can you imagine if the roles were reversed? If I, a Palestinian Muslim, had threatened Freeman with an axe while screaming death threats? But I am the son of survivors of the 1948 Nakba and will continue to fight for Palestinian human rights. I have no other choice.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-MA Legal Director Barbara J. Dougan, (781) 281-9992 or bdougan@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com