(NEW YORK)— In response to the Trump administration’s justification for continuing to detain Mahmoud Khalil, despite a judge’s order earlier this week to release him, Kristen Shahverdian, Campus Free Speech director at PEN America, issued the following statement:
“The Trump administration’s tortured reasoning for Mahmoud Khalil’s continued detention makes clear how far they are willing to take their attempts to circumvent the rule of law. They are playing cynical word games with a man’s life and freedom. Mr. Khalil must be immediately released.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 718-530-3582