03-13-15 Michael Deutsch discusses Rasmea Odeh conviction

Civil rights attorney Michael Deutsch discusses the case of Rasmea Odeh who was convicted of lying on her citizenship paperwork in her immigration application. Odeh, who had served 10 years in prison in Israel after she was tortured and accused of participating in an act of "terrorism" in 1969, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The sentence last week is far less than the original demand by the U.S. Government and the FBI of 10 years.

Deutsch discusses the conflicts that were present in the original court case, noting the prior judge in the case in Detroit, where it was assigned, had a conflict of interest because of his involvement with helping organize propaganda trips for Americans to support Israel. It also turned out that the judge's family was also an investor in the grocery store that was involved in the 1969 bombing.

Deutsch previously also represented Mohammed Salah, who was also charged with being a member of a terrorist organization. But, in both the Odeh and Salah case, the government failed to present any real evidence that Salah or Odeh had engaged in terrorism, and the juries ruled against the government exonerating both of those charges. 

The Odeh ruling is a victory for the Palestinian cause, but Deutsch said that he will appeal the 18 month sentence claiming that it's unfair. He acknowledged it will be a tough fight but he said he will fight it predicting it might take between 4 and 10 months before an appeals decision is known.

Deutsch was the guest on Talk of the Town Radio on 1450 AM Radio with host Ray Hanania, and hosted by YahalaVoice.com live online radio. For more information visit www.TheArabDailyNews.com.