Support Dr. Sami Al-Arian's Struggle for Justice

CAIR, March 29, 2008

CAIR is calling on American Muslims and other people of conscience to write letters in support of Dr. Sami Al-Arian, a former Florida professor currently on his second hunger strike in federal detention to protest alleged unjust treatment by U.S. authorities.

Al-Arian, who has already lost almost 30 pounds, began refusing food and water on March 3rd to protest a third attempt by prosecutors to compel his testimony in court. He was recently transferred from his Virginia prison to a medical facility in North Carolina.

SEE: Inmate on Hunger Strike Transferred to Medical Prison (AP)

Al-Arian began his first hunger strike last year after being given a sentence of up to 18 months for refusing to testify before a grand jury in Virginia. His attorneys say an earlier plea agreement freed him from further cooperation with the government. Supporters also say the government's actions amount to a form of harassment.

In December of last year, CAIR welcomed a judge's decision to lift civil contempt charges against Al-Arian. The charges were dropped when the grand jury he was subpoenaed to testify before expired.

SEE: CAIR Welcomes Lifting of Al-Arian Contempt Charges

In 2005, a Florida jury rejected federal charges that Al-Arian operated a cell for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Al-Arian later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was scheduled for release and deportation in April.

SEE: No Guilty Verdicts in Al-Arian Trial (Tampa Tribune)

At the time of his first hunger strike, a national coalition of major American Muslim organizations said the prison sentence given to Al-Arian amounted to unconstitutional "double jeopardy."

SEE: U.S. Muslims Call Al-Arian Imprisonment 'Double Jeopardy'

A recent documentary film, "USA vs. Al-Arian," offers a family portrait that documents the Al-Arian family's desperate attempt to fight terrorism charges leveled by the U.S. government.

ACTION REQUESTED: (As always, be POLITE and RESPECTFUL.)

CAIR is asking that letters urging Al-Arian's release be sent to Judge Gerald Lee of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, to Attorney General Michael Mukasey and to congressional leaders.

SEE: Free Sami Al-Arian - How to Help

Supporters are also being asked to write letters directly to Al-Arian.

SEE: Free Sami Al-Arian - Contact Info