Palestinian defense attorney calls for resignation of judge who suggested on Facebook 'There are no innocent civilians in Gaza' - Atlanta, GA

ATLANTA, GA – February 26, 2025 – A DeKalb County Superior Court judge is under fire after a defense attorney of Palestinian descent called for her resignation or removal due to controversial social media comments she made about the ongoing war in Gaza. The attorney, Musa Ghanayem, a prominent Palestinian-American lawyer in Atlanta, has accused Judge Stacey Hydrick of displaying bias that undermines her ability to serve impartially on the bench.

The controversy stems from a now-deleted Facebook post by Judge Hydrick, in which she reportedly expressed skepticism about the existence of "innocent civilians" in Gaza amid the conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas. Ghanayem, who has practiced law in the region for years and describes himself as a longtime supporter of Hydrick, said the remarks struck a personal chord. “I am a Palestinian Christian. My family has lived in the region for over 1,600 years, serving as Orthodox priests,” Ghanayem told local media. “To imply that everyday Gazans are complicit with Hamas is deeply offensive and shows a lack of understanding that disqualifies her from judicial fairness.”

Hydrick, appointed to the DeKalb Superior Court by Governor Brian Kemp in 2019, also serves as chair of the investigative panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC), a state agency tasked with overseeing judicial conduct. Ghanayem has filed a formal complaint with the JQC, arguing that Hydrick’s statements not only reflect prejudice but also compromise her leadership role within the commission. “This isn’t just about one post—it’s about public trust in the judiciary,” he said.

In response, Judge Hydrick issued a statement acknowledging the emotional weight of her words. “Judges are human beings. We see and hear things that cause us to feel emotion and to speak out. I am no different,” she said. “I remain committed to reflection and recognizing how my words may be received by those with perspectives different from my own.” Hydrick emphasized her dedication to treating all parties fairly in her courtroom, a sentiment echoed by defense attorney Gerald Griggs, who has appeared before her numerous times. “She’s always been fair and thoughtful in my experience,” Griggs said. “This is a complex issue with pain on both sides.”

The incident has drawn broader attention, with the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemning Hydrick’s remarks as “hateful” and indicative of “clear bias against Palestinians and Muslims.” The organization has called for a public apology and joined Ghanayem in demanding her resignation. Meanwhile, the JQC confirmed it is aware of the situation and will review any related complaints in accordance with its procedures, though no timeline for a decision has been provided.

The social media post in question reportedly followed Hydrick’s reaction to video footage from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and sparked the current war. Gaza’s health ministry reports that more than 46,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in the ensuing Israeli military campaign, a toll that has fueled global debate and heightened sensitivities around public statements on the conflict.

For Ghanayem, the issue is both professional and personal. He noted that Hydrick privately messaged him, offering to recuse herself from any cases involving him—an offer he does not contest but sees as insufficient. “She’s been kind to me in the past, but this isn’t about me alone. It’s about justice for everyone who stands before her,” he said. 17GEN4.com