Today is the Final Day of Trial for Palestinian American Community Leader Rasmea Odeh
The final day of trial for Palestinian activist Rasmea Odeh convened today at 9am, at the US District Court, 231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit.
After court adjourns (no later than 1pm), Odeh’s lead attorney, Michael Deutsch, will speak at a press conference, across the street from the courthouse on Lafayette Blvd.
The trial of Rasmea Odeh, beloved leader of Chicago’s Palestinian community, is expected to come to a close tomorrow. Some 70 supporters were in the courtrooms on Thursday, where the day’s proceedings ended in the middle of moving testimony by Odeh. After Odeh concludes her testimony on today, she will be cross-examined by the government, and then both sides will make closing arguments.
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 her and 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.
While Judge Drain has issued several orders limiting Odeh’s right to bring these facts into the case, it is clear to her supporters that this case is a politically-motivated attack on an important leader of the Palestinian community.
The jury is not expected to begin deliberation until Monday, which is the earliest a verdict is expected. Inspired by Ms. Odeh, many out of town supporters are rearranging their plans to stay in Detroit for Friday, and into Monday.
Arab America