Federal judge Roy Altman faces complaint alleging anti-Palestinian bias

A lawyer has formally accused Judge Roy Altman of anti‑Palestinian bias after the judge referred to the keffiyeh as a “terror scarf” during a recent hearing. The allegation was made in a written statement to the court, in which the attorney argued that the judge’s comment was prejudicial and could influence the impartiality of the proceedings.

Judge Altman made the remark while presiding over a civil case involving a protester who had worn a keffiyeh at a demonstration. The lawyer contended that the judge’s language perpetuates a negative stereotype of Palestinian culture and undermines the defendant’s right to a fair trial. The statement also cited the judge’s prior rulings in cases involving Middle‑Eastern defendants, suggesting a pattern of bias.

The court has not yet responded to the complaint, and the case will continue to be monitored by both the defense and the prosecution. If the judge’s remarks are found to have compromised the trial, the court may consider a recusal or other remedial action to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.