Cross examination exposes holes in prosecution of Palestinian American activist Rasmea Odeh

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Nov. 4 statement from the Rasmea Defense Committee.

In court today, Nov. 5, the government presented its case against Rasmea Odeh. As expected, it is based on Israeli military court proceedings against her from 1969 to 1970. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tukel held up the Israeli conviction, which was achieved only after Rasmea was violently tortured for 25 days.

Durham, NC — Protesters gathered at a busy intersection outside the Durham Public Library, Nov 4, to show solidarity with Rasmea Odeh. The action coincided with the opening of Odeh’s trial in Detroit.

“Organized mass struggle is the only way justice is won” say activists

Detroit, MI – Judge Gershwin Drain oversaw jury selection today in the case of Rasmea Odeh. Odeh is on trial in Detroit for failing to disclose in her application for citizenship that she was tortured by the Israeli military in 1969 until she confessed to a crime she didn’t commit. Over 90 people filled the overflow room set up for her supporters to watch on close circuit television.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Nov. 4 statement from the Rasmea Defense Committee.

Salt Lake City, UT – The Utah County Attorney justified the shooting death of 22-year-old Darrien Hunt by white police officers Schauerhamer and Judson. Hunt was confronted by the Saratoga Springs police officers on September 10. He was carrying a toy sword as a prop while cosplaying, dressed as an anime (cartoon) character. Someone who saw him walking on the street called 911 and reported him as suspicious. Within minutes, Hunt was shot dead while being questioned by police.

Detroit, Mi – On Tuesday, Nov. 4, a federal trial will get underway here of longtime women’s rights advocate and Palestinian American leader Rasmea Odeh. She will face a charge of procuring her citizenship unlawfully by allegedly omitting an answer on her citizenship application 10 years ago. The stakes are high say Odeh’s defenders; she faces revocation of her citizenship, 10 years imprisonment, and eventual deportation.

Chicago, IL- Rasmea Odeh, la muy conocida activista en la comunidad palestina de Chicago, y víctima de persecución por parte del gobierno de EE.UU, se dirige a juicio el 4 de Noviembre

Minneapolis, MN – Twin Cities activists are making plans to attend the Detroit trial of prominent Palestinian American leader Rasmea Odeh. Odeh is facing trumped-up immigration charges as a part of the government's campaign against Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims.

Chicago, IL – Chicago supporters of Rasmea Odeh, are going all out for a major mobilization to pack the courtroom Odeh’s Nov. 4 trial in Detroit.

Chicago, IL – Rasmea Odeh, the well-known activist in the Palestinian community of Chicago and target of persecution by the U.S. government, goes on trial Nov. 4.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Oct 28 statement of Rasmea Defense Committee:

Detroit, MI – Just one week before trial begins, new rulings will determine whether the prosecution will be allowed to bring Israeli conviction and allegations of ‘terrorism’ at trial, and whether Odeh can present evidence of torture in her defense.

Salt Lake City, UT – Over 100 activists gathered at the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building, Oct. 22, to protest police brutality. The protesters demanded justice for Darrien Hunt, the most recent victim murdered by officers of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, as well as all victims brutalized by police. Carrying signs that read “Comply or die is not the law” and holding photos of their loved ones murdered by the police, the crowd chanted slogans including, “From Ferguson to SLC, end police brutality,” and “Not a penny, not a dollar, we won’t pay for police to slaughter.”

Salt Lake City, UT – Over 100 activists gathered at the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building, Oct. 22, to protest police brutality. The protesters demanded justice for Darrien Hunt, the most recent victim murdered by police in Salt Lake City, as well as all victims brutalized by police. Carrying signs that read “Comply or die is not the law” and holding photos of their loved ones murdered by the police, the crowd chanted slogans including, “From Ferguson to SLC, end police brutality,” and “Not a penny, not a dollar, we won’t pay for police to slaughter.”

Dearborn MI – The Rasmea Defense Committee office opened near Detroit Oct. 23. Located in the Beit Hanini Outreach Community Center, at 4045 Maple Street, the office will serve as center for mobilizing for Rasmea Odeh’s Nov. 4 trial.

Tallahassee, FL – Dozens of African American students joined with community members to protest and then conduct a die-in at the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) on Oct. 22. Protesters held signs reading “Black lives matter,” and “Justice,” while chanting against police brutality.

The Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression held a public forum on the campaign for a Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC) on Oct. 16 at Trinity United Church of Christ on Chicago’s South Side. Over 50 activists attended this meeting, including families of victims of police crimes, prominent attorney Stan Willis, and labor and community activists.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Rasmea Defense Committee. In open court, torture expert says Rasmea Odeh suffers from PTSD, and defense slams Israeli military courts

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Oct. 17 statement from Scott Williams. We remind all progressive activists to not speak with the FBI. The FBI came looking for me today at my family’s house