After being detained for more than two weeks in a Vermont prison, Mahdawi was ordered released by US District Court Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford on April 30 on several conditions, including that he remain in Vermont while the litigation over his future in the US continues. “Immigration detention cannot be motivated by a punitive purpose. Nor can it be motivated by the desire to deter others from speaking,” Crawford wrote, referencing the Red Scare and Palmer Raids of 1919 and McCarthyism in the 1950s. “Legal residents — not charged with crimes or misconduct — are being arrested and threatened with deportation for stating their views on the political issues of the day. ... The wheel of history has come around again.” This week, Mahdawi asked Crawford if he could attend his graduation, meet with his attorneys, and spend a total of 10 days in New York City, according to court records. Acting US Attorney for Vermont Michael P. Drescher urged the judge to reject Mahdawi’s petition. “Mahdawi continues to be subject to removal [deportation] proceedings and, therefore, the government has a heightened interest in knowing his location,” he wrote in court papers. Crawford ruled in Mahdawi’s favor in a two-page order issued Wednesday. Among other activities, Mahdawi can attend protests without violating terms of his bail, Crawford said. Columbia’s commencement ceremonies will be held May 21. “During his time in New York State, Mr. Mahdawi is permitted to move freely and conduct his daily activities normally including, but not limited to, meeting with elected officials, speaking with and being interviewed by members of the press and media, speaking at public events, attending protests, attending social engagements (including meals, formal and informal graduation celebrations, and other gatherings), running miscellaneous errands, exercising outside of his apartment, shopping, and attending medical appointments, provided that such activities do not otherwise violate the conditions of his release,” Crawford wrote. Mahdawi must return to Vermont by May 25, Crawford ruled.
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