Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, is seeking $20 million in damages from the Trump administration, alleging false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation. Khalil’s lawyers filed a claim citing his arrest and subsequent detention in an immigration jail, where he was held while awaiting news of his son’s birth. He claims the administration sought to deport him over his pro-Palestinian activism, with a White House spokesperson and the Department of Homeland Security denying the accusations. Khalil aims to send a message against intimidation, potentially using any settlement to support others targeted for their views, or accepting an apology and policy changes.
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Following a security breach at RAF Brize Norton, where pro-Palestinian activists sprayed paint on military aircraft, a comprehensive security review of all UK military bases has been initiated. The activists, who claimed to have disabled the planes, evaded security measures to access the base and caused damage using paint and crowbars, according to their statement and video footage. Prime Minister Starmer condemned the incident as vandalism, while defence officials expressed concern and launched investigations alongside counter-terrorism police. The RAF, however, reported that the damage is not expected to significantly impact operations.
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Aditya Wahyu Harsono, a Minnesota hospital worker and father of an infant with special needs, was arrested and detained by ICE agents after his student visa was retroactively revoked without notice. His subsequent motion to dismiss was denied, despite his wife being a US citizen and his having a pending green card application. The revocation was based on a past misdemeanor conviction and allegedly linked to his pro-Palestinian activism, prompting concerns about weaponization of the immigration system. Harsono remains in custody, facing potential deportation and financial ruin for his family, with his attorney planning further legal action.
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The University of Michigan suspended Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE), a pro-Palestinian student group, for two years, revoking its funding and event-space access due to violations of university conduct standards. These violations stemmed from protests, including a demonstration at a regent’s home and an unauthorized campus encampment, related to demands for divestment from companies with ties to Israel. The suspension, announced two weeks before President Trump’s executive order addressing antisemitism on campuses, can be lifted early if SAFE fulfills the sanctions and attends policy meetings with university officials. The university maintains its commitment to free speech while enforcing policies ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all.
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Pro-Palestinian activists’ vocal criticism of the Biden-Harris administration stemmed from a perceived lack of sufficient action on Palestinian rights. They felt their concerns were not adequately addressed, leading to protests and a reluctance to fully endorse the Democratic ticket.
The activists’ strategy of withholding full support from Biden and Harris, while acknowledging a Trump presidency would be far worse, proved controversial. Some argued this approach was short-sighted, prioritizing a symbolic protest over a pragmatic choice.
Many felt that the activists failed to appreciate the complexities of the situation and the limitations faced by any US administration in resolving the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.… Continue reading
The recent arrest of a Pro-Palestinian activist by UK counter-terrorism police has sparked a contentious debate surrounding freedom of speech, terrorism, and the intertwining of anti-Israel sentiment with Holocaust denial. This activist, who praised the ‘incredible Oct 7 infiltration’ by Hamas, has allegedly been vocal in her support for the Palestinian resistance and relayed information from Gaza and the West Bank to the world. However, her past social media posts have brought to light her apparent denial of the Holocaust and her anti-Semitic views, suggesting a darker undertone to her activism.
The connection between pro-Palestinian activism and anti-Semitism is a troubling trend that cannot be ignored.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood