Columbia University Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Support for Hamas Propaganda

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University led to a lawsuit alleging that organizers acted as Hamas' 'propaganda arm.' Victims of Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel, including U.S. and Israeli citizens, filed the suit. They claim organizers coordinated with Hamas, a designated terrorist group, violating U.S. antiterrorism laws.

A group of organizers and supporters involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University were accused of acting as Hamas' 'propaganda arm' in a lawsuit filed Monday in Manhattan federal court. The lawsuit was initiated by nine U.S. and Israeli citizens affected by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Defendants, including Mahmoud Khalil and organizations like Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, allegedly coordinated efforts with Hamas. The plaintiffs claim that these groups provided public relations services for Hamas in violation of U.S. antiterrorism laws and are seeking damages.

The lawsuit further highlights the legal complexities of balancing protected speech with potential material support for terrorist organizations, amidst Columbia's recent policy changes to address such concerns and restore federal funding.

(With inputs from agencies.)