Özel calls for action regarding Turkish student detained in the US: 'The government must intervene'
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel has reacted to the detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral student studying in the US, by masked security forces. Criticizing the US for ignoring Israel's policies against Palestine, Özel noted that Öztürk, who faces deportation proceedings after being detained simply for expressing her opinions, has been victimized.
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Turkish doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk, who is studying in the state of Massachusetts, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. It was stated that the incident occurred while Öztürk was leaving her home for iftar. Opposing Öztürk's detention, Özel pointed out that the "I did it, so it is done" mentality is making the world an unlivable place.
In footage captured by security cameras, masked ICE agents were seen stopping Öztürk. Officials attempted to seize the student's phone before handcuffing her and taking her into custody. Öztürk's lawyer reported that they have been unable to establish contact with their client.
The moment Öztürk was detained by masked ICE agents
'END THIS INHUMANITY'
In a statement released via social media, Özgür Özel condemned the detention. Özel emphasized that he "strongly condemns the detention of Öztürk for expressing her views on the Palestinian issue."
Pointing out that Öztürk is suffering the same fate as students who have been heartlessly arrested in Turkey, Özel stated the following:
"I strongly condemn the detention of Turkish student Rümeysa Öztürk, who is pursuing her doctoral studies at Tufts University in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, for writing an article criticizing Israel, the Palestinian atrocities, and the university that ignores these atrocities.
The world is becoming increasingly unlivable due to the madness of leaders who say, 'I did it, so it is done.'
Rümeysa, who was detained in the U.S. simply for writing down her opinion, and the hundreds of students in Turkey who were heartlessly arrested without any legal basis or justification for protesting the government's March 19 democratic coup with peaceful demonstrations, are experiencing the same victimization.
I call on the government to waste no time in making representations to the Trump administration for Rümeysa's release and the continuation of her education, and to immediately release the students across Turkey who have been sent to prison simply because they wanted democracy.
End this inhumanity!"
ÖZTÜRK'S DETENTION RESONATES IN THE US
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren was among those who expressed their reaction to the detention. The Turkish Embassy in Washington announced that they are closely monitoring the developments.
The detention of Öztürk, who is continuing her doctoral studies as a Fulbright scholar at Tufts University, has caused concern in academic circles in the US. Academics working in the US reacted to the treatment of Öztürk, stating that the Turkish student should regain her freedom.
It is alleged that the detention took place in the context of increasing pressure on pro-Palestinian academics and students in recent times. It was known that Öztürk had previously written articles criticizing Israeli policies.
There has been no official statement from authorities yet regarding the course of the legal process or the conditions of Öztürk's detention. It was stated that Turkish authorities are making diplomatic efforts regarding the matter.