The Case Against Adnan Syed, HBO docu-series, brings forth new evidence that may change public opinion about Adnan Syed. Hopefully, it may also lead authorities to find the real culprits responsible for Hae Min Lee’s murder. Without giving away too many spoilers,it is safe to say that ‘The Case Against Adnan Syed’ raises new questions about people of interest who weren’t investigated as much as they should’ve been at the time.
New Revelations Are Made
The list includes Don (Hae Min Lee’s current boyfriend at the time), Jay Wilds (who claims to have helped Adnan dispose of Hae’s body) and Alonzo Sellers (the person who found Hae’s body and has a prior record of indecent public exposure). Surprisingly, all three of them got away without any substantial consequences. Which raises into question the validity of the jury’s decision.
The docu-series also exclusively reveals evidence in relation to Adnan’s DNA and exposes the truth regarding the cell phone tower evidence that helped put Adnan behind bars.
#JusticeforHae and #FreeAdnan
After the docu-series came to an end there was an uproar. Everyone took to Twitter to give their two cents on the matter. While some people took sides, there were also a few, rational voices that called out the validity trial. Many pointed out that although there was evidence raised against Adnan Syed, it wasn’t concrete enough to incarcerate him for life. As of now, Adnan Syed has already served a twenty year sentence. He was offered a four year plea deal if he plead guilty – he declined.
In the last few minutes of the fourth and final episode, he stated:
“…When I was a kid they threatened to take away my future, to take me away from my family, to take away the opportunity I would have to go to school, or get married and have kids, just to have my freedom….and they made good on that threat. Now, it’s a lot different… ’cause I don’t really have anything they can take away from me anymore. … the type of deal that they’d be offering me, it’s like I’d be exchanging one prison for another.”
On 15th March 2019 there was an update on the case. Adnan Syed was denied a new trial. However, Adnan and his attorney Justin Brown are going to “keep fighting and fighting and fighting…”.
The American criminal justice system has failed Hae Min Lee and her family. Even though Adnan Syed is behind bars, the real culprit of their daughter’s brutal murder is still out there. It was humbling to see how everyone fighting for Adnan’s future is also concerned about re-opening the investigation and finding justice for Hae Min Lee. Even though it may take years for any future updates, fans of the series are hopeful that justice will prevail and the truth will come out sooner than later.
Final Verdict
After waiting week after week for the new episodes to release, I was left un-moored after the series finally came to an end. The docu-series offers no real ending because the case still hasn’t reached a satisfactory conclusion, yet. However, it does a very good job of highlighting how we always perceive the grass to be greener on the other side.
As South Asians we’re always led to believe that everyone who immigrates to America gets to live the “American Dream”. No one really talks about the hardships immigrants face. Or how flawed the justice and social systems of the West can be at times.
Adnan Syed’s parents would never have fathomed that the future they had imagined for their American-born child would cease to exist after he turned 17. One of the most painful sights to watch in the docu-series is the struggle Adnan’s parents have been going through for the past twenty years. His once charismatic and successful father has never been the same since the day Adnan was arrested. There are several shots of him vacantly staring into space and just trying to live each day, one step at a time.
The Case Against Adnan Syed also reveals that Adnan’s mother has been diagnosed with leukemia. She constantly worries about the fate of her son and wonders whether he will get out of prison in time to say goodbye to her.
While it is up to the courts to decide and reach a fair verdict, the entire initial investigation against Adnan Syed reeks of confirmation bias. Adnan was molded into the ‘big, bad’ Muslim stereotype from the start by the media. Prejudice against Muslims was prevalent at the time of the murder investigation. It seems that may have played an integral part in the final verdict of the case.
Moreover, it would’ve been ideal if someone from Hae’s family had agreed to an interview. Without hearing their perspectives it seems that we’re only getting one side of the complete story. It’s always good to keep an open mind. Even though, it looks highly unlikely that Adnan may have executed the entire plan by himself, I’m still open to hearing opposing theories.
Where Can I Watch ‘The Case Against Adnan Syed’?
The first episode of the four part docu-series was initially aired on HBO, USA on 10th March 2019. Viewers worldwide (and in Pakistan) can now watch ‘The Case Against Adnan Syed’ on HBO’S smartphone streaming app – HBO NOW. A one month trial account is absolutely free. Monthly subscription begins at $15 a month. A decent price to pay for all the great HBO exclusive shows you’ll get to watch. *cough* GOT SEASON 8 *cough*.
However, if you’re looking for a free alternative,don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. You can listen to the podcast sensation, ‘Serial – Season 1′. Season 1 goes into a deep dive about the Adnan Syed case. They frequently post updates, which is always a bonus. Subsequently,you can also listen to ‘Undisclosed’ hosted by Rabia Chaudry. Rabia is one of the many people who still hasn’t given up the fight to #FreeAdnan and find #JusticeForHae.
