All articles tagged with #pro palestinian activism
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist detained by the Trump administration for over three months, has filed a $20 million claim for damages, alleging false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, as part of a broader effort to challenge the administration's treatment of pro-Palestinian speech and activism.
Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia graduate, was detained for over three months by the Trump administration on deportation grounds, which he and supporters argue was unjust and politically motivated. His case drew protests and highlighted issues of free speech, immigration law, and political repression, but he was eventually released on bail. Khalil plans to continue advocating for Palestinian and immigrant rights despite his ordeal.
A federal judge ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist, from immigration custody after ruling his detention was likely unconstitutional and an attempt to punish his activism. Khalil, a legal permanent resident, was arrested over three months ago and is the last noncitizen student detained among several targeted during the Trump administration's crackdown. The judge denied the government's request to delay his release and imposed conditions such as surrendering his Algerian passport while his deportation case continues.
A federal judge ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist detained over his activism against Israel’s war in Gaza, ruling that his detention was unjustified and that he posed no flight risk or danger to the community. Khalil, held for over three months, is set to be released from ICE custody in Louisiana with restrictions on his travel, marking a setback for the US government's efforts to detain and deport pro-Palestinian activists.
Pro-Palestinian activists from Palestine Action broke into the UK's largest air force base, R.A.F. Brize Norton, vandalizing aircraft and runway in a protest against UK military support for Israel, raising concerns about security at military sites.
Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian student activist detained in Louisiana, remains in custody after a federal judge rejected his release, citing additional charges of immigration fraud added by the government, which also claims his detention is lawful. Despite previous rulings suggesting his detention based on activism might be unconstitutional, the government’s shifting explanations and new charges have prolonged his detention, with ongoing legal proceedings determining his fate.
A federal judge in New Jersey ruled that the Trump administration cannot continue to detain Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder detained over his pro-Palestinian activism, and suggested he could be released as soon as this week if the government does not appeal. The case involves allegations of threats to U.S. foreign policy and free speech rights, with Khalil's lawyers arguing his detention is retaliatory and unconstitutional.
Universities have intensified their scrutiny and regulation of pro-Palestinian activism on campuses, often citing concerns over safety and hate speech. This has led to debates over free speech rights and the extent to which institutions should intervene in student-led political activities. Critics argue that these measures disproportionately target pro-Palestinian groups, stifling their ability to express dissenting views.
Wayne State University police dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment set up by student activists demanding the university divest from Israeli companies and weapons manufacturers. The removal, which led to the arrest of a dozen protesters, has sparked further demonstrations and criticism from both sides, with activists vowing to continue their efforts and university officials citing safety and legal concerns.
USC students, faculty, and pro-Palestinian protesters are rallying against the university's decision to bar valedictorian Asna Tabassum from speaking at the commencement due to unspecified safety threats, following criticism from pro-Israel groups over a link on her Instagram profile to a pro-Palestinian website. The move has sparked campus tensions and a silent protest, with supporters arguing that it represents institutional silencing and hostility towards Muslim and Palestinian voices, while others express concerns about antisemitism and free speech.
USC's decision to cancel a pro-Palestinian valedictorian's speech has sparked intense controversy, leading to protests and debates over student activism, free speech, antisemitism, and anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate on campus. The cancellation has divided the student body and drawn criticism from faculty members, with some accusing the university of stifling open communication. The valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, has accused the university of singling her out as a hijab-wearing Muslim woman and insists she is not antisemitic. The decision has also drawn attention from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups, further fueling tensions at USC.
USC valedictorian Asna Tabassum's graduation speech was canceled after pro-Israel groups criticized her for being antisemitic due to a link on her Instagram page to a pro-Palestine website. The university cited security concerns for the decision, which Tabassum claims was a betrayal and silencing of pro-Palestinian activists. She defended herself, stating she is not antisemitic and has studied genocide extensively. The controversy has made her more committed to her views on the Israel-Hamas war and student activism, and she feels singled out for her race and faith.
A Palestinian-American law student, Malak Afaneh, was asked to leave a UC Berkeley law school dinner at the home of law school dean Erwin Chemerinsky and his wife, law professor Catherine Fisk, after attempting to speak about Palestinians dying in Gaza and advocating for university divestment from corporations involved in Israel’s war. Chemerinsky and Fisk confronted Afaneh, with Chemerinsky asserting his private property rights and Fisk grabbing the student's microphone. The incident has sparked debate over free speech, antisemitism, and the boundaries of protest at private events, with the university standing behind the dean and the student considering legal action.
Osama Siblani, a pro-Hamas activist and publisher of the Arab American News, was included in a meeting with Biden administration officials in Dearborn, Michigan, as part of the White House's efforts to engage with pro-Palestinian activists. Siblani has a history of making controversial statements in support of Hamas and has been critical of President Biden. The meeting has raised concerns about the administration's outreach to individuals with extremist views and its potential impact on the 2024 election in Michigan.
The recent congressional hearing on campus antisemitism has sparked a debate over free speech on college campuses, with experts and scholars concerned about its potential chilling effect on dialogue and education. While critics wanted a simple "yes" to whether calls for the "genocide of Jews" would violate campus codes of conduct, university presidents emphasized the complexity of the issue and the need to protect free speech. However, they failed to challenge the assumption that their students have already made unambiguous calls for genocide, which led to calls for their ousting. The controversy highlights the rise of antisemitic incidents on campuses, but also raises questions about the boundaries of antisemitism and the equating of anti-Zionism with hatred of Jews. The political motivations behind the controversy, including attempts to undermine higher education and weaponize Jewish fear, further complicate the issue. The fallout from the hearing may impact universities' commitments to free speech and trust in higher education.