Press Release
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) – A Vermont judge released Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student arrested during a U.S. citizenship interview. Mahdawi, known for his outspoken protests against the Gaza war, led chants outside the courthouse, emphasizing unity in the fight for democracy and human rights.
After being held since April 14 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Mahdawi stated, “Justice will prevail,” stressing that the global community is watching the U.S.’s stance on justice. His detention stemmed from claims by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating that Mahdawi’s activities could jeopardize U.S. foreign policy interests.
Contrarily, Mahdawi’s legal team argues his detention was retaliation for advocating Palestinian rights. U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ruled in favor of Mahdawi after a court hearing. The government asserts his detention is legally valid within the deportation process, maintaining that district courts lack jurisdiction over such matters.
Born in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Mahdawi moved to the U.S. in 2014 and was set to graduate from Columbia in May. He co-founded the Palestinian Student Union and remains a prominent voice for Palestinian advocacy.
Mahdawi’s case echoes broader discussions about immigration policies and activism in the U.S.
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