Fifteen Indicted in Major Drug Crackdown in Washington County: Fentanyl and Trafficking Charges Loom Large

MARIETTA, Ohio — A Washington County Grand Jury has indicted 15 individuals on various drug-related charges, including aggravated possession and trafficking of fentanyl-related compounds. The indictments reflect ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis in the region. Among those charged is Nicole Marie Goodman, 41, of Belpre, who faces a fifth-degree felony for aggravated possession of drugs stemming from incidents in June 2024. Another defendant, 55-year-old Eric Gordon Pangle of Caldwell, also faces a similar charge for events occurring in May 2024. Michael Lee Nichols, 26, of Belpre, was indicted on a count of aggravated … Read more

Florida Releases U.S. Citizen Caught in the Net of New Immigration Crackdown

Tallahassee, FL – In a significant development under Florida’s new anti-immigration legislation, a U.S. citizen was recently freed after being detained due to an error that highlighted potential flaws in the enforcement of the law. This incident underscores the complexities and controversies surrounding the new legal framework aimed at curbing illegal immigration. The law in question, which was signed into effect this year, has sparked widespread debate over its stringency and the broad authority it grants local law enforcement. It mandates stricter verification of immigration status by police, but critics argue it may lead to … Read more

Judge Approves Deportation of Columbia Student Amid Crackdown on Foreign Students

NEW YORK — A recent ruling by an immigration judge has marked a significant moment in U.S. immigration policy, particularly affecting foreign students. Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil has become a focal point after the judge’s decision allowed for his deportation. This case has ignited broader discussions as it comes amidst a crackdown on foreign students under the current administration. Attorney Ramzi Kassem, representing Khalil, expressed disappointment and vowed to continue fighting the ruling, which he described as part of an aggressive approach towards non-native students in the U.S. This incident raises questions about … Read more

Global Crackdown on Lawyers Undermines Justice: From Russia to the US, Legal Defenders Face Unprecedented Threats

Lawyers who have chosen to defend controversial and politically sensitive cases often face severe repercussions, including harassment, disbarment, and imprisonment. Repressive regimes worldwide are known to target legal professionals to suppress dissent, a practice observed from Russia to Iran and China. In Russia, the crackdown on opposition voices extends beyond the incarceration of political figures to their legal defenders. Following the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison colony, his lawyers Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin were sentenced to several years in jail for allegedly participating in an “extremist organization” … Read more