In a landmark event that took place on Wednesday afternoon, Mohsen Mahdawi, a student from Columbia University, was released from federal custody after a federal judge in Vermont ruled that his two-week detention represented a ‘grave infringement’ on an individual not facing a criminal charge. Mahdawi, who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States and has been detained for his pro-Palestinian advocacy activities, was warmly met by a gathering of enthusiastic backers who convened outside the courthouse, expressing their joy at his release.
Addressing the audience gathered, as well as the media, Mahdawi declared, ‘I wish it to be known with absolute clarity. To President Trump and his Cabinet members: I harbor no fear of you.’ This robust stance on his situation was clear with his firm statements.
In the case, Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford commented, ‘We are witnessing the arrest and intimidation with deportation of lawful residents who are not facing any criminal or misconduct charges but have simply expressed their opinions on the prevailing political issues.’ The judge drew similarities between the current situation and the tension-filled periods of the Red Scare and McCarthy’s reign.
Despite the judge’s ruling, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security struck a defiant note, stating to the media that neither legal action nor any judge’s decision would deter the government’s efforts to ‘implement the rule of law in our immigration procedures.’ Regardless, the legal battles involving Mahdawi, inclusive of this and another separate deportation case, are far from conclusion.
An attorney representing Mahdawi is determined to carry on the legal offensive against the charges leveled by the federal government on the premise that they violate the constitution. She pointedly emphasized the importance of free speech, saying, ‘The very foundation of our nation is the right to express oneself.’ She went on to add that if we, or the courts, fail to see that, or if we are unable to defend our Constitution in this manner, ‘it calls for a stern and thorough introspection of ourselves and the interpretation of our Constitution.’
Judge Crawford stipulated only minor stipulations for Mahdawi’s conditional release, which essentially corresponded to his standard lifestyle provisions. These included pursuing his education at Columbia University and residing within the state of Vermont.
The attorney working on the case outlined that the legal proceedings are following two distinct paths. The first path is the federal court case where the main argument is revolving around a potential violation of Mahdawi’s constitutional right to free speech as well as the possible infringement of his due process right.
The second path is the immigration case that is related to his pending deportation. The government has activated an infrequently invoked immigration law arguing that Mahdawi’s advocacies could pose a threat to the United States’ international policy.
However, the attorney staunchly maintains that the crux of the matter pertains to the right to free speech and highlights that Mahdawi’s actions merely comprised of advocating for his people’s cause with a plea for recognizing Palestinian human rights.
Undeniably, the verdict resultant of the case has far-reaching consequences and can potentially establish a significant legal precedent. Numerous testimonials praising Mahdawi’s singular character and credibility have been submitted in support of his case.
The post Columbia Student Released from Federal Custody in Landmark Ruling appeared first on Real News Now.
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