A federal judge in Vermont ordered the release Wednesday of Mohsen Mahdawi, the Columbia University student who was arrested two weeks ago by ICE agents following his citizenship interview, while his case proceeds.

“The two weeks of detention so far demonstrate great harm to a person who has been charged with no crime,” U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford said at a hearing Wednesday. “Mr. Mahdawi, I will order you released.”

“Judge Crawford, who ruled to release me against all of the heinous accusations, horrible attacks, chills of speech, First Amendment violations – he had made a very brave decision to let me out,” Mahdawi said. “And this is what justice is. And for anybody who’s doubting justice, this is a light of hope, a hope and faith in the justice system in America.”

“To President Trump and his cabinet: I am not afraid of you,” Mahdawi said.

  • fluxion@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    That’s what a real American is supposed to sound like. Give him his citizenship we need more people who appreciate having basic rights

  • fakero@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    He’s lucky the judge blocked ICE from moving him out of Vermont in the first place. Others like Khalil and Ozturk have no chance in Louisiana with MAGA judges unfortunately.