Newsletters
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Sunday that it is closely monitoring the case of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish PhD student detained in the United States last month after writing a pro-Palestinian article for a student newspaper.
5 min read
Ozturk, 30, was one of four students who co-authored an op-ed in The Tufts Daily at Tufts University, criticizing the university’s response to student activists demanding the school “acknowledge the Palestinian genocide,” disclose investments, and divest from companies with ties to Israel.
On March 25, Ozturk was detained by masked immigration officials in a Boston suburb, then transported to Vermont before being flown to a detention center in Louisiana. Her student visa was revoked following her arrest.
Regarding the Ongoing Legal Proceedings in the USA Concerning Turkish Citizen Rümeysa Öztürk https://t.co/Zn1jjZNLAs pic.twitter.com/yPWYiYGCrr
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) April 19, 2025
In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed that Ozturk’s case has been under close observation since the outset. The ministry described her as a “symbolic figure” in an ongoing legal process stemming from developments in U.S. domestic politics that affect thousands of international students.
The ministry added that all proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the preferences of Ozturk and her family, ensuring respect for her rights. Ozturk has received consular support throughout, with the Turkish consul general in Houston visiting her multiple times in Louisiana, and the consul general in Boston holding an online meeting with her.
"Contrary to politically motivated and misleading claims, there are two separate legal proceedings concerning Ms. Ozturk," the Foreign Ministry stated.
Turkish academic Rumeysa Ozturk detained by US authorities after being targeted by pro-Israel groups for Palestine protests
— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) March 26, 2025
?? Ozturk recently co-authored article condemning Israel's actions in Gaza
??She now faces deportation despite holding a valid F-1 visa pic.twitter.com/XEzbZobcXK
The first involves an immigration case in Louisiana. During a hearing on April 16, attended by officials from the Houston Consulate, the court reviewed the legal basis for the U.S. decision to revoke her visa. A ruling is expected on May 1. The court also rejected a request for Ozturk’s release on bail ahead of the decision.
The second case pertains to her objection to the detention. A Vermont court held a hearing on April 14 and ruled on April 18 that it has jurisdiction, ordering Ozturk’s transfer to the state by May 1. Her bail request in this case will be reviewed on May 9.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said it will continue to monitor both cases closely and provide all necessary support.
Ozturk is one of several foreign students detained by U.S. immigration officials and had her visa revoked due to their pro-Palestinian support and campus demonstrations.
1 min read
