Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace
Subject: Press Release- Dr. Al-Arian Moved to Federal Penitentiary in Coleman, FL
Date: March 27, 2003

Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace

Press Release: 3-27-2003

Dr. Sami Al-Arian Moved to Federal Penitentiary in Coleman, FL

At approximately 6am this morning, Dr. Sami Al-Arian, Sameeh Hammoudeh, Hatim Fariz, and Ghassan Balut, who were arrested by federal authorities on February 20, were moved from the local Orient Road Jailhouse in Tampa to the maximum security wing of the Federal Penitentiary in Coleman, Florida, about 75 miles north of Tampa. This unexpected move by federal authorities comes just after the conclusion of bond proceedings earlier this week. Judge Mark Pizzo is set to issue his ruling regarding bail for the four men sometime next week. This is clearly an attempt to influence the judge’s decision and ensure that the men are not given bail, though the law requires it. Peter Erlinder, Professor of Constitutional Law said, “The only way the judge could deny bail is if he completely ignored the law.”

In addition, conditions at the Coleman Federal Prison are very severe compared with those of an ordinary jail. As of today, Dr. Al-Arian is only allowed one telephone call per month, which he used to notify his family. Additionally, the four men are being kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day and only allowed biweekly visits from family members. All of this occurred in spite of the fact that none of the men have been convicted of any crime. In fact, the trial has not yet begun, and will not proceed for at least one year, according to the judge. It seems as though government agents have already surpassed the sentencing phase with these latest moves.

It is clear from these actions that the government is determined to make conditions difficult for Dr. Al-Arian and his family. By not allowing him phone calls or frequent visitation rights, they are attempting to isolate him and continue the vindictive persecution that began last month. This inhumane treatment and unjust persecution of these men and their families must end. In addition, he has been denied access to his attorney and will not be able to consult him regularly for the purposes of his defense.

The Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace calls on all concerned Americans to protest these gross abuses of power that have denied Dr. Al-Arian his due process rights. This move is uncalled for, as the government itself did not produce a single reason for it. These actions amount to unlawful persecution by government officials and should be condemned in the strongest terms. Dr. Al-Arian is a political prisoner who has been continuously targeted for his political views and social activism, all of which exists openly in the public record. In four days of bond proceedings, the government was unable to present a single shred of evidence or any testimony to the contrary. Despite the continued injustice, the families and supporters maintain their unyielding patience in this struggle. Dr. Agha Saeed, National Chairman of the American Muslim Alliance, said, “We ask the federal authorities to reconsider this decision because it will seriously handicap his ability to defend himself as this move will place him at a considerable distance from his lawyers, family, consulting experts and potential witnesses.” Dr. Al-Arian’s wife Nahla said, “they continue to make us suffer more and more, but that has only made us more determined to fight this political oppression. I call on all Americans to continue this fight with us.”

Dr. Al-Arian has been on a hunger strike since his arrest February 20 to protest his unjust treatment. Today marked the 37^th day of that strike and he now has lost over 35 pounds.

End.