Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace
Feb. 20, 2003

ADC Expresses Concern at Arrest of Sami Al-Arian, Requests Explanation
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee

Washington, DC, Feb. 20 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) expressed serious concerns regarding the arrest this morning of Prof. Sami Al-Arian by FBI agents in Tampa, Fl. Prof. Al-Arian was arrested pursuant to an indictment that remains sealed and ADC called upon the Justice Department to explain this arrest to the public.

ADC notes that Sami Al-Arian has been under heavy investigation for many years, and that thus far no evidence has ever been presented suggesting his involvement with any illegal activity. ADC pointed out that since his appearance on the FoxNews program “the O’Reilly Factor” in 2001, and given the controversy regarding attempts by South Florida University to dismiss him in spite of his tenured status, Prof. Al-Arian’s case has become heavily politicized. ADC will monitor developments in the case with deep concern.