Supporters of Rasmea Odeh Will Rally at Courthouse, Await Verdict
Monday, November 10, at the US District Court, 231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit: Rally outside the courthouse starting at 8am, with a presence continuing all day until the jury announces its decision; the jury begins deliberation at 9am. Lead defense attorney Michael Deutsch will be available to the press immediately after the verdict.
The trial of Rasmea Odeh, a beloved leader of Chicago’s Palestinian community, came to a close on Friday, and on Monday, November 10, the jury will begin deliberation in the case. More than 200 people came from across the Midwest this week to pack the courtroom throughout the trial. Many are returning Monday, in hopes of being present when the verdict is read.
Odeh is accused of procuring her citizenship unlawfully by allegedly answering questions falsely on her citizenship application 10 years ago. The case is based on events in 1969, when the Israeli military arrested Odeh along with 500 others. After weeks of torture and rape, in direct violation of international law, Odeh confessed to a crime she did not commit and spent 10 years in an Israeli prison. Judge Drain issued several orders limiting Odeh’s right to bring these facts into the case.
Despite these restrictions, Odeh’s defense team presented a strong case, and supporters hope that the jury’s decision will be in her favor. Regardless, Odeh’s supporters are standing beside her, and answering to her call to be present on Monday “…to say, ‘yes we are together and we are fight[ing] for our rights.’ ”
Arab America