Indian Student Detained in U.S. for Alleged Hamas Propaganda

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian student at Georgetown University, has been detained for allegedly spreading Hamas propaganda and antisemitism on social media. The Trump administration is pursuing his deportation, viewing him as a threat to U.S. foreign policy. Suri is awaiting an immigration court hearing, while Georgetown University claims no knowledge of his alleged illegal activities.

Badar Khan Suri, an Indian student at Georgetown University, has been detained by U.S. authorities, accused of spreading propaganda for Hamas and exhibiting antisemitic sentiments on social media. The Trump administration, viewing him as a threat to U.S. foreign policy, is pursuing his deportation, according to his attorney. Suri was apprehended by federal agents outside his residence in Rosslyn, Virginia, and is currently being held in Alexandria, Louisiana, awaiting an immigration court hearing.

The allegations against Suri come with no provided evidence, according to a statement shared by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared Suri’s activities as grounds for his deportation. Georgetown University has expressed unawareness of the reasons behind Suri’s detention and has no reported knowledge of his involvement in any purported illegal activities.

Suri is academically distinguished, possessing a PhD in peace and conflict studies from an Indian institution. He is currently teaching a course titled “Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia.” Notably, another individual involved in similar activities, Mapheze Saleh, has authored content for Al Jazeera and has connections with the Palestinian foreign ministry.

The Trump administration’s crackdown on what it terms antisemitism includes allegations against pro-Palestinian protesters, with claims that criticism of Israel equals antisemitism. The government is examining the funding allocated to universities that fail to protect Jewish students from perceived harassment. Some of the institutions under scrutiny include Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley. In a related incident earlier this month, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, was detained for his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and is currently challenging his deportation in court.

Badar Khan Suri’s detention raises significant concerns regarding the implications of U.S. policies on academic freedom and the protection of minority rights in the context of foreign relations. The current administration’s approach towards pro-Palestinian sentiments reflects ongoing debates surrounding freedom of expression versus national security interests. Both Suri’s case and that of Mahmoud Khalil illustrate the complexities of the legal challenges faced by students expressing political views on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com