Arabic version: قاضي اتحادي يأمر بإطلاق سراح الناشط الفلسطيني صلاح سرسور
A federal judge in the United States has ordered the release of Salah Sarsour, a Muslim leader who says his detention by immigration authorities was a form of retaliation for his outspoken support of Palestine. On June 18, US District Judge James Patrick Hanlon ruled that Sarsour had raised a “substantial” claim that he was targeted for speech protected under the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
According to Al Jazeera, Judge Hanlon dismissed claims made under President Donald Trump that pro-Palestinian speech undermines US foreign policy interests. He emphasized that the mere invocation of foreign relations concerns does not automatically trump First Amendment rights.
Sarsour, who has lived in the US for nearly 32 years, was released just hours after the ruling. He expressed relief at being reunited with his family after spending 80 days in detention. “This experience is a reminder to all of us that we must fight together for our right to be a voice for the silenced. I will never stop speaking for Palestine and humanity, wherever I am,” Sarsour stated, highlighting his commitment to advocating for Palestine.
Detained since March 31, Sarsour was initially pulled over by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and later transferred to a facility in Indiana. Despite having no criminal record, the Department of Homeland Security labeled him a “criminal and a terrorist,” citing allegations of past actions in an Israeli military court, which Sarsour has denied.
Judge Hanlon questioned the sudden classification of Sarsour as a threat after decades in the US, ordering his return to Wisconsin while his case continues. Rights advocates have criticized the use of national security claims to detain pro-Palestinian activists, arguing that such actions undermine free speech.
Sarsour’s case reflects broader concerns about the treatment of Palestinian advocates in the US, with many rights groups arguing that the legal framework has been manipulated to silence dissenting voices.
