FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Al-Arian Press Conference to be Held Friday

Tampa, Florida (Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace)-- January 14, 2005

Witness for Human Rights for Political Prisoners in America calls for a witness before God and our community to protest the persecution of political prisoners by our government.

To honor Dr. Sami Al-Arian and protest his unjust treatment, members of the religious community and a group of Tampa Bay citizens concerned about human rights will hold a press conference at noon on Friday, January 14 in front of the Tampa Federal Courthouse, 801 N.
Florida Ave.

The press conference will follow an 11:00 a.m. pre-trial hearing at the Federal Courthouse on Dr. Al-Arian's case.

January 14th is also Dr. Al-Arian's Birthday. If you wish to attend the hearing in support of Dr. Al-Arian, remember that cameras and cell phones are not allowed inside the Courthouse.

For additional information, contact: Mel Underbakke at 813-215-3403