Arrested

Palestinian Student Activist Arrested by ICE at Columbia University Amid Controversial Visa Revocations

by

New York – A Columbia University graduate student, Mahmoud Khalil, was taken into federal custody over the weekend by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his university-affiliated residence near the Manhattan campus. Amy Greer, Khalil’s attorney, reported the incident, noting that it aligns with recent federal moves to deport foreign nationals involved in university protests against the war in Gaza. According to Greer, the arrest took place on a Saturday night when ICE agents, acting on purported State Department directives, arrived unannounced. They allegedly planned to revoke Khalil’s student visa and green card, despite … Read more

Utah Judge Arrested for Allegedly Sending Explicit Content to Minors on Messaging Platform

by

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A Utah judge, known for his engagement with community youth, was arrested on allegations of sending sexual images and videos to young girls via an online messaging platform, authorities revealed. Kevin Robert Christensen, 64, of Box Elder County, was apprehended by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Investigations into Christensen’s online activities began on Feb. 28 following tips about his inappropriate communications. Evidence gathered pointed to several explicit conversations with minors that dated back to last September. Notably, Christensen was reported to have exchanged sexually explicit material … Read more

Istanbul Lawyer Arrested After European Council Meeting Claims Detention is Politically Motivated

by

Istanbul, Turkey – Fırat Epözdemir, a prominent member of the Istanbul Bar Association Board of Directors, was detained upon his arrival at Istanbul Airport on January 23. Epözdemir had been returning from a meeting at the European Council in Strasbourg, which was focused on defending human rights. Following his detention, Epözdemir was transported to Metris Prison. His arrest has sparked considerable concern among legal professionals and human rights activists, both domestically and internationally. Epözdemir has publicly addressed his arrest via social media, expressing gratitude towards his colleagues and supporters. Notably, he thanked Prof. Dr. İbrahim … Read more

Istanbul Lawyer Arrested on Alleged Connections with Kurdish Militant Group

by

Istanbul, Turkey – A prominent lawyer from Istanbul was detained and subsequently arrested by Turkish authorities on charges linked to terrorism, amid intensified scrutiny over alleged connections to the proscribed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Firat Epözdemir, identified as a board member of the Istanbul Bar Association, faces accusations of “membership in an armed terrorist group” and disseminating “terrorist propaganda.” The arrest, which took place on Saturday, follows Epözdemir’s detainment two days prior at Istanbul Airport. The action is part of a broader probe touching on alleged affiliations with the PKK, considered a terrorist organization by … Read more