Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and detention of pro-Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil in the US, describing it as part of a broader “racist trend” globally aimed at suppressing Palestinian rights and solidarity.
This trend is observed not only in the US but also in countries like the UK, Germany, and other European states.
“In the US as well as the UK, Germany and other European states, Amnesty has documented cases of students and staff advocating for an end to the genocide in Gaza facing undue restrictions of their rights and retaliation, including police violence and sanctions,” the rights group said.
Amnesty has documented numerous cases where students and staff advocating for Palestinian rights face undue restrictions, police violence, and sanctions.
Khalil, an Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent and a legal permanent resident of the US was arrested by ICE at his Columbia University-owned apartment. His activism, particularly with the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, made him a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian movements in the US.
Amnesty International notes that similar restrictions and retaliations against pro-Palestinian advocates are occurring in several countries. This includes police violence and sanctions against those advocating for an end to the conflict in Gaza.
In Europe, there is a pattern of suppressing pro-Palestinian activism through legal restrictions, police crackdowns, and the weaponization of laws like anti-terrorism legislation. Germany, the UK, and Italy have been particularly noted for these practices.
Khalil’s case in the US raises concerns about free speech and immigration policies, with critics arguing that the Trump administration is using immigration enforcement to target political opponents and suppress activism.
Amnesty International emphasizes the importance of protecting the right to peaceful assembly and free speech, urging governments to uphold these fundamental rights rather than stifling dissent.
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