Susan Sarandon Instagram – Although Columbia grad and human rights defender Mahmoud Khalil is not yet coming home, his first court hearing today demonstrated that his support is massive and and growing (see slides). I believe this will make the Trump Administration’s venal and illegal plan to deport him as punishment for his criticism of Israel very difficult to pull off.
Here are some takeaways: lawyers for Trump had Mahmoud snatched from his apartment in Manhattan on Saturday without a warrant and quickly moved him to Louisiana hoping New York courts (which are more liberal) would be deprived of jurisdiction over the legal challenge to his detention. It’s clear from today that’s unlikely to work. I also learned he is being held largely incommunicado; prison officials have yet to let him talk to his own lawyers. (He has talked to his wife, who is 8 months pregnant with their first child.) Judge Jesse Furman ordered emergency briefing on the petition for release, with the first submissions due tomorrow.
This case is a huge showdown with enormous implications for free speech in our country. For the first time, our government is trying to revoke the legal residency of a person not because he committed a crime but simply because they don’t like the content of his speech. (If this stands, I believe Trump might try to exile citizens next.) I know Mahmoud pretty well — we just met for lunch two weeks ago — and I can assure you he is one of the most humble, gentle, kind, diplomatic, and intelligent young leaders l’ve ever met. He is a human rights defender, pure and simple.
The good news from today is that hundreds of people packed the largest courtroom in the building – called the ceremonial courtroom. Many more were outside. Dozens of media outlets attended. @susansarandon demanded Mahmoud’s release. The lawyers for Mahmoud unfortunately chose not to argue the merits of the case today or to seek Mahmoud’s immediate release (which I find mystifying), but they are some of the most progressive and skilled advocates in the city. There should be another hearing in days.
More soon.đź‘Šđź‘Šđź‘Š | Posted on 13/Mar/2025 03:43:38
