Seven Days- Supporters of Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi swarmed the Vermont Statehouse on Tuesday to demand his release from custody.

More than 300 people packed the Cedar Creek Room and surrounding hallways to hear lawmakers denounce the 34-year-old White River Junction resident’s widely publicized arrest last week in Colchester.

Mahdawi was taken into custody by hood- and mask-wearing plainclothes officers who whisked him away in an unmarked vehicle. The circumstances outraged many residents and lawmakers, some of whom vowed to take action.

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