A Turkish student from Tufts University in Massachusetts — released from a Louisiana immigration detention center, Friday — has returned to Boston and has vowed to continue her case in court.
Rumeysa Ozturk, a PhD student, was held for more than six weeks after being close to the university in March.
Ozturk had co-authored an open editorial criticizing Tufts’ response to student protesters demanding the university “acknowledge the Palestinian genocide,” disclose its investments and divest from companies with ties to Israel.
Ozturk to continue legal battle
“In the last 45 days, I lost both my freedom and also my education during a crucial time for my doctoral studies,” she said. “But I am so grateful for all the support, kindness and care.”
Ozturk said she would continue her case in court saying: “I have faith in the American system of justice.”
The doctoral student was released on Friday, pending a ruling on her claim that she was illegally detained.
US District Judge William Sessions in Vermont ruled that she was to be released with no travel restrictions, saying she was not a flight risk or a danger to the community.
Sessions said the state had not offered evidence as to why Ozturk was arrested, other than the op-ed.
Punished for exercising First Amendment right say lawyers
Ozturk’s lawyers argue that her arrest and detention were unlawfully designed to punish her for exercising her First Amendment right and to deter others from speaking out.
Upon her return to Massachusetts, Ozturk was joined by her legal team and two Democrat politicians.
“Today is a tremendous day as we welcome you back, Rumeysa,” Senator Edward Markey said.
“You have made millions and millions of people across our country so proud of the way you have fought.”
It has been widely reported that more than 1,000 international students at colleges, universities and university systems have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March.
President ‘s administration has adopted a , framing it as part of its broader efforts to tackle antisemitism.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
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