A Georgetown University scholar recounts the terror and humiliation he experienced during two months of detention by US immigration authorities. Badar Khan Suri, 41, was arrested while teaching his weekly class on minority rights and was held without explanation for seven days. He says he was shackled with chains, deprived of basic necessities, and denied communication with lawyers.
Suri’s case is part of a broader trend of targeting international students who spoke out against Israel’s war in Gaza. He was charged with “spreading Hamas propaganda” despite saying he only supports Palestinians, who are facing an “unprecedented genocide.” Fellow inmates reported that Suri wore the same uniform reserved for the most dangerous offenders.
Despite being held without bail, over 100 people from Georgetown wrote letters to his federal judge, and a crowd greeted him upon his release. Suri says he holds onto hope despite feeling dehumanized during detention, saying “I want to live with… everyone together.” The Department of Homeland Security disputes allegations of inhumane treatment, stating that Suri had access to attorneys and was treated with respect.
Suri’s experience highlights the need for due process and humane treatment in immigration detention centers. His story serves as a reminder of the human impact of policies that often prioritize national security over individual rights.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/badar-khan-suri-georgetown-immigration-case-65e9a9675c29ebe91b39eb647d1d6f18