M.T. Mehdi was a leading pro-Palestinian activist in the United States, and openly supported the Palestine Liberation Organization. He was criticized for his support of Sirhan, a Palestinian, for Mehdi's numerous interviews with him, as well as his belief that Sirhan acted justifiably.[1] He wrote a 100-page book entitled "Kennedy and Sirhan: Why?",[2] and had said that he believed Sirhan had acted in justifiable self-defense, stating: "Sirhan was defending himself against those 50 Phantom jets Kennedy was sending to Israel." [1]