We Study Repression in Turkey. Now We See It Here.
Briefly

The detention of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish Fulbright scholar at Tufts University, by ICE has sparked concerns about civil liberties and free speech. Accused of supporting Hamas without specific evidence, her only alleged crime relates to an op-ed advocating for Palestinian rights. Observers have drawn parallels with authoritarian practices in Turkey, highlighting fears that such governmental actions could threaten academic freedom and political expression in the United States. The case reflects broader tensions regarding national security and civil rights in contemporary political discourse.
Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish Fulbright scholar researching children's digital-media consumption, was detained by ICE, marking a concerning violation of civil liberties in the U.S.
The DHS accused Ozturk of activities supporting Hamas without providing evidence; her 'crime' appears tied to an op-ed on Palestinian genocide and divestment.
Many observers, familiar with the authoritarian trends in Turkey, were horrified to see such repressive tactics used against a scholar in the U.S., suggesting a troubling direction.
This incident highlights the complexities of free speech rights and the potential dangers posed by labeling individuals as terrorists based on their political opinions.
Read at The Atlantic
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