UN 'firmly' stands with rights of people 'to be able to speak freely,' says official
Every country has right to manage its own borders but it is important to respect 'people's rights and their dignity,' says spokesman
WASHINGTON
The UN backs the free speech rights of people all over the world, a spokesman said Thursday as detentions of pro-Palestinian students continue in the US.
"I can't predict what will happen," Stephane Dujarric said when asked by Anadolu whether UN chief Antonio Guterres fears the detentions may turn into a campaign to silence pro-Palestinian supporters.
"I can tell you a few things. One is that we firmly stand in the rights of people all over the world, wherever they are, whether they're journalists, whether they're students or universities, to be able to speak freely, peacefully, without fear of retribution, harassment, arrest or worse," Dujarric said.
Every country also has the right to manage its own borders, the spokesman said, adding, "But we do feel it is important, it is done in a way that respects people's rights and their dignity."
The Trump administration has intensified crackdowns on universities and pro-Palestinian protesters, and sought to deport students on claims they pose a threat to US foreign policy and national security.
Mohsen K. Mahdawi is the latest Palestinian student the Trump administration has targeted for being involved in pro-Palestinian organizing on US college campuses.
Mahdawi, like others who have been detained, including Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeyza Ozturk, has not been charged with a crime.
