COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S CRACKDOWN & ARREST OF PRO-PALESTINE STUDENT MAHMOUD KHALIL , IS OUTRAGEOUS , WHERE IS SO CALL FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN THE US ?

Press Release
14th March 2025

The Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organization (MAPIM) strongly condemns Columbia University’s harsh actions against pro-Palestine students and the shocking arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a postgraduate student, by U.S. immigration authorities at the behest of the U.S. Department of State over his involvement in pro-Palestinian activism.

This outrageous act reflects a growing trend of intimidation, repression, and political persecution against those who stand for justice and human rights in Palestine. Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest is a clear example of how institutions and governments are weaponizing immigration laws to silence dissent and suppress voices of resistance against Israeli apartheid and war crimes.

The severe actions taken by Columbia University, including suspensions, disciplinary threats, and police crackdowns on peaceful student protests, expose the institution’s hypocrisy in claiming to uphold free speech and academic freedom while punishing those who criticize Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

MAPIM demands:

1. The immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil and an end to politically motivated arrests of student activists.
2. Columbia University to reinstate all affected students and respect their right to peaceful protest.
3. The U.S. government to cease its suppression of pro-Palestinian advocacy and uphold the democratic rights it claims to champion.
4. The international community to speak out against this blatant targeting of activists who stand for Palestinian human rights.

Silencing student activists through arrests, intimidation, and institutional oppression will not erase the truth about Israel’s crimes in Gaza. MAPIM stands in full solidarity with Mahmoud Khalil and all students fighting for justice, human dignity, and Palestinian liberation.

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President MAPIM Malaysia
March 13, 2025