Columbia protest leader Mohsen Mahdawi released from US custody

The student protester Mohsen Mahdawi, advocating for Palestinian rights at Columbia University, was detained under President Trump's administration as part of a broader crackdown on anti-Israel protests. A judge in Vermont has now granted his release pending his graduation, sparking debates about the implications of targeting pro-Palestinian speech and the balance between free expression and immigration policies. Critics argue this move signals overreach into academic affairs, while supporters highlight Mahdawi's commitment to justice and democracy amid the administration's antisemitic claims.