US judge rules Rumeysa Ozturk must be transferred from Louisiana to Vermont

Summary

A federal judge ruled that Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk, detained under claims of violating her constitutional rights, must be transferred to Vermont for court proceedings. The case involves her arrest due to a pro-Palestine opinion article and criticism of Tufts University's stance on Israel. Critics argue the government targeted her to keep her away from supporters. Sessions emphasized that Ozturk's detention is based on a single opinion, not broader policies, and she retains legal rights including a chance for bail or repatriation.

Additional Summaries

Rumeysa Ozturk was arrested and had her visa revoked in March. Supporters say she was targeted over an op-ed she co-authored last year, criticising Tufts University for dismissing a student government resolution. Her student visa has been revoked as part of a massive crackdown by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Washington, DC – A federal judge in the United States has ordered the government to transfer a pro-Palestine Turkish student, Rumeysa Ozturk, to Vermont for the court to assess legal challenges to her detention. “The Court concludes that this case will continue in this Court with Ms Ozturk physically present for the remainder of the proceedings,” he wrote. It challenges Ozturk’s detention, not the broader push to deport her. AdvertisementDeportation matters are reviewed through a separate system, where non-citizens bring their cases in front of an immigration judge who works within the executive branch. An immigration judge in Louisiana denied Ozturk’s release on bail earlier this week.