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The Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a US tribunal created in 1996 but never used in its three decades of existence, has convened for the first time to hear the government's petition to deport Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan woman living in Texas as a lawful permanent resident. The hearing, held on Thursday in Washington, DC, was open to the public and focused on allegations that Haji Zada supported an Islamic State-inspired plot that was disrupted before it could be carried out.

Prosecutors say much of the evidence against the 47-year-old cannot be publicly disclosed, relying on the court's authority to consider classified information. Haji Zada's lawyer argued that the process violates due process protections, asking the court to dismiss the case and release his client. The court's chief judge, Joan Ericksen, denied the request.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of the first hearing of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court varied in tone and emphasis. Al Jazeera framed the development critically, describing the Trump administration's use of the court as a way to "circumvent due process protections" and "sidestep" standard legal procedures. The outlet noted that the court's legality is hotly debated and that critics view the hearing as part of the administration's broader immigration agenda.

The Jerusalem Post offered a more neutral account, focusing on the mechanics of the hearing and the use of classified evidence. The report highlighted that Haji Zada's lawyer, Matthew Farley, argued that the court's reliance on classified evidence violates due process, while prosecutors maintained that the evidence cannot be publicly disclosed.

The Hindu — World provided a factual report, emphasizing the procedural history of the case, including the convictions of Haji Zada's son and son-in-law for their roles in the 2024 Election Day plot. The outlet noted the court's specific authority to conduct deportation proceedings for individuals the Justice Department classifies as "alien terrorists."

Key Claims

  • The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was established in 1996 but had never received a petition until this month, when the Justice Department filed one seeking Haji Zada's removal. This claim was reported by multiple sources.
  • The court is scheduled to hold a hearing for the government's petition to deport Nazira Haji Zada, who was arrested earlier this week at her home in Fort Worth, Texas.
  • Haji Zada is accused of supporting an Islamic State-inspired plot in the US. An FBI memo reportedly said the agency "developed information" that she is an ISIS supporter who had her children pledge loyalty to the group.
  • Her son, Abdullah Haji Zada, was sentenced last November to 15 years in prison for his role in the plot, and her son-in-law, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, pleaded guilty to conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group. Both were convicted in Oklahoma.
  • The court has specific authority to conduct deportation proceedings for individuals whom the Justice Department classifies as "alien terrorists," as reported by The Hindu — World.
  • Critics say the Trump administration is seeking to circumvent due process protections by using the court, a claim reported by Al Jazeera.
  • The court's legality is hotly debated, as noted by Al Jazeera.
  • Prosecutors say much of the evidence against Haji Zada cannot be publicly disclosed, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • Haji Zada's lawyer argued that the court's use of classified evidence violates due process protections, a claim reported by both the Jerusalem Post and The Hindu — World.