Senator Ed Markey from Massachusetts recently criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio on MSNBC, claiming he is acting outside the law while representing former President Donald Trump. Markey’s comments came during a discussion about Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish national who has not faced any formal charges. He pointed out that the only evidence against her seems to be an opinion piece she wrote for her university’s newspaper.
Markey expressed deep concern over the situation, comparing it to authoritarian practices seen in countries like Russia and Belarus, where individuals can be arrested without charges or legal representation. He argued that this undermines fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, specifically the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and the Fifth Amendment’s right to due process.
The senator emphasized that these rights are essential for maintaining a constitutional government. He accused Rubio of repeatedly acting in ways that violate these principles while serving Trump. Markey also highlighted the plight of Ozturk and others who suffer under what he described as a dictatorial and rogue government that disregards the laws that have shaped the United States for over 250 years.
Markey’s remarks come at a time when discussions about civil liberties and government power are particularly relevant. His statements serve as a reminder of the ongoing debates about free speech and due process in the current political climate.