US releases Mohsen Mahdawi, detained Columbia student activist
Summary
Mohsen Mahdawi, a student at Columbia University and Palestinian activist with permanent U.S. residency, was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities during a citizenship interview. Following this arrest, he was recently released on bail from custody, with his lawyers arguing that his detainment was unlawful and in retaliation for his advocacy.Key Facts
- Mohsen Mahdawi, is a permanent U.S. resident and student at Columbia University.
- Mohsen was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a citizenship interview in Vermont in mid-April.
- His legal team petitioned for his release, alleging that Mohsen's incarceration was unlawful and retaliatory due to his advocacy for Palestinians.
- U.S. authorities accused Mahdawi of undermining U.S. foreign policy.
- Vermont District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered his release from prison on bail, ruling against a request from government lawyers to delay the release by a week.
- Prominent politicians, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have voiced support for Mohsen and called for his release.
- Activism has led to detention of other students and graduates in the U.S., including Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia University and Rumeysa Ozturk from Tufts University.
- The day before his arrest, Mahdawi had expressed concerns to CBS News that the citizenship interview could be a trap.
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