Protests outside US court in support of detained activist Mahmoud Khalil
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Newark, New Jersey court where a judge heard arguments in the case of detained activist Mahmoud Khalil.
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil to remain ‘behind bars in Louisiana’ for now
The lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil have been talking to the media. A couple hundred demonstrators have gathered outside the courthouse. There’s a lot happening, but the action is really inside the courtroom where lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil were arguing that his case, fighting his attempted deportation, should remain in New Jersey.
A New York judge already decided this much in sending the case from New York to New Jersey, but the judge in this case really grilled both sides about the details of jurisdiction, whether or not this is the proper place.
The government would like to see Khalil’s case moved to Louisiana, that’s where he is currently being held. They have argued that they have the right to deport whomever they deem a threat to US foreign policy interests, even a legal permanent resident like Mahmoud Khalil. The lawyers for Khalil have accused the government of venue shopping to try to get him to a judge that may be more favourable for their views.
They were also hoping to argue to release Khalil on bail today to be here closer to his wife, who is due to give birth next week. The judge said that he cannot decide that until he decides whether or not this is the proper venue. He grilled both sides on that issue, into detailed legal arguments. He said he’s going to make a decision as soon as possible.
Until then, Khalil will remain behind bars in Louisiana.
