Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Rümeysa Öztürk
Turkey's Embassy in Washington and relevant consulates general are actively involved in securing the release of doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk, who was detained in the U.S. after her student visa was revoked. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Öztürk is receiving all necessary legal and consular support. A court has temporarily halted her deportation.
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Turkish student Rümeysa Öztürk, who is pursuing a doctorate at Tufts University in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on the evening of March 25 while on her way to an iftar dinner with friends.
It was announced that Öztürk, who was taken into custody by 6 masked ICE officers, had her student visa revoked and was detained for deportation.
COURT HALTS DEPORTATION ORDER
Öztürk's lawyers appealed the deportation order and applied to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The petition submitted to the court argued that Öztürk was being deprived of her liberty unlawfully.
In a two-page ruling issued on March 28, U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper stated, "Öztürk's deportation is stayed until her legal process is completed."
With this decision, it is noted that Öztürk has been permitted to remain in the U.S. while her legal proceedings continue.
STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli emphasized in a statement on his social media account that diplomatic efforts to secure Öztürk's release are ongoing.
Keçeli stated, "All kinds of consular services and legal support are being provided by our Embassy in Washington and our relevant Consulates General. Our Consul General in Houston visited our citizen at the center where she is being held in Louisiana on March 28 and conveyed her requests to local authorities and her lawyer. He will visit her again today."