Badar Khan Suri, an Indian-origin researcher at Georgetown University, faces deportation after being arrested by federal agents for allegedly spreading Hamas propaganda. He obtained his US visa for research on peacebuilding and has connections to a suspected terrorist. Suri’s academic work focuses on complex state-building issues in ethnic societies.
Badar Khan Suri, an Indian-origin researcher and postdoctoral associate at Georgetown University, is facing deportation after his arrest outside his Virginia home by federal agents. Suri has been involved in teaching a course titled “Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia” and is accused of spreading Hamas propaganda due to alleged connections with a suspected terrorist. His visa was initially issued for research on peacebuilding in conflict zones.
The Department of Homeland Security, represented by Tricia McLaughlin, stated that Suri engaged in activities promoting antisemitism on social media, suggesting a link to a senior advisor of Hamas. This led to a determination from the Secretary of State that Suri’s actions warrant deportation under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for involvement with terrorism-related activities.
Dr. Badar Khan Suri holds a postdoctoral fellowship with the Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. He earned his PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2020, where his dissertation focused on the complexities of state-building in ethnically diverse societies like Afghanistan and Iraq.
Recognized for his interdisciplinary approach, Mr. Suri’s academic interests include religion, violence, and peace processes in regions such as the Middle East and South Asia. Information about him has been restricted on Georgetown’s website. His wife, Mapheze Saleh, is a US citizen from Gaza and currently studies at Georgetown, indicating personal ties to the region under scrutiny.
Badar Khan Suri, a researcher with significant academic contributions at Georgetown University, faces deportation on serious allegations linking him to terrorism. His case highlights ongoing concerns regarding academic freedom in the U.S. and the impact of social media on legal actions. His support system includes both academic credentials and personal connections through his wife, raising questions on the implications of his potential deportation for both his career and personal life.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
