The lawyer representing Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk of the Tufts University, filed an emergency motion following his arrest by federal agents of the Department of Homeland Security from the USA and ICEThis case has attracted attention due to the circumstances of his arrest and the accusation of supporting Hamas, sparking intense debate about international students' rights and national security.
Arrest of the Turkish student: What happened?
On March 26, 2025, 30-year-old Rumeysa Ozturk was arrested by masked federal agents after leaving her home in Somerville, Massachusetts. A video obtained by The Associated Press It shows six people, their faces covered, confiscating her phone while she is handcuffed. Throughout the incident, the officers are heard declaring they are police, while a bystander asks why they are hiding their faces.
The lawyer's motion
Ozturk's attorney requested that the U.S. government produce the student, arguing that her due process rights are being violated. Federal Judge Indira Talwani gave the government until Friday to explain the reason for her detention. She also ordered that Ozturk not be transferred outside the District of Massachusetts without 48 hours' notice.
The reason for the arrest and the charges against Ozturk
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE explained that Ozturk's arrest is related to investigations alleging his support for Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. According to a DHS spokesperson, glorifying terrorists who kill Americans warrants revoking his visa. However, so far, no clear evidence of his involvement in terrorist activities has been provided.
Ozturk and his political stance
Ozturk, who is Muslim, was one of the signatories of an article in The Tufts Daily, which criticized the university's response to student demands to recognize the Palestinian genocide and divest from companies linked to Israel. Following its publication, his name and photo were posted on the website Canary Mission, a portal that documents individuals accused of promoting hatred toward the US, Israel, and Jews.
Reaction of the university community to the arrest of the Turkish student.
Tufts University has expressed concern about Ozturk's arrest, emphasizing that the institution is actively working to ensure the safety and well-being of all its students. University President Sunil Kumar reaffirmed Tufts' commitment to supporting the community while ensuring that students' due process rights are respected.
Call to action
The case of Rumeysa Ozturk has sparked a crucial debate about the treatment of international students in the US, especially those who express political opinions contrary to Israeli policies. In this context, it is critical that human rights be respected and that the government clearly and transparently explain the reasons for its actions. It is essential that students be able to express their opinions without fear of reprisal.
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