Protests Erupt in Burlington as Palestinian Activist Faces Deportation
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A significant crowd gathered outside a Vermont courthouse on Wednesday to support Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during his final interview for U.S. citizenship. Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident for a decade, was detained on April 14, prompting allegations from his lawyers that the arrest was retaliation for his advocacy of Palestinian rights.
During an initial court appearance, a judge extended Mahdawi’s temporary detention and set a hearing for next week. His attorney, Luna Droubi, argued that the government’s case primarily hinges on Mahdawi’s lawful speech, voicing commitment to securing his release. The government contends that Mahdawi’s detention falls within the lawful bounds of deportation processes, asserting that district courts lack jurisdiction over such matters.
According to court documents, Mahdawi was shackled and apprehended by ICE agents immediately after asserting his willingness to uphold U.S. laws and the Constitution. Attorney Cyrus Mehta expressed concern over the targeting of students, stating that those like Mahdawi are not criminals but rather advocates for peace.
Mahdawi was born in a West Bank refugee camp in 2014 and organized protests against Israel’s military actions while at Columbia. U.S. Senator Peter Welch visited Mahdawi at prison, where he emphasized the activist’s focus on justice and democracy. Mahdawi addressed supporters, encouraging them to remain hopeful about justice, despite his current imprisonment.
Simultaneously, tensions rise as the government appeals a decision concerning another detained student, highlighting broader concerns about the treatment of activists in detention. Critics, including members of Congress, argue that students are being unlawfully imprisoned due to their political expressions.
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