Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace
September 26, 2007
Subject: -[TBCJP]- “USA vs. Al-Arian” Wins Best Nordic Documentary

TAMPA —

I. “USA vs. Al-Arian” wins Best Nordic Doc
II. Hearing on Oct. 17, write to Judge Lee
III. Write to Dr. Sami

I. Last night, the award-winning documentary film “USA vs. Al-Arian,”
which chronicles the Al-Arian family’s struggles during Dr. Sami’s
six-month trial in 2005, garnered more accolades. It won the award for
Best Nordic Documentary at the 18th Nordic Short and Documentary
Festival; It was chosen out of 565 films that were submitted for this
category.

In awarding the documentary, the jury said: “The film gives us a
unique access to a family in crisis and offers a perspective which
might often be missed. The director insists on sticking around to
capture the moments. The film shows precisely how a common man becomes
a victim of the situation in the contemporary world, where the Big
Brother is watching you even when you´re ordering pizza. The film
combines all the elements any documentary needs: a powerful story,
strong characters and an emotional journey well crafted together.
http://www.nordiskpanorama07.com/

The response to the film and by extension, to Dr. Al-Arian’s case, has
been very positive and supportive in Finland, Denmark, Sweden and
Norway, among other countries.

II. Oct. 17 Hearing

On October 17, a judge will reconsider lifting the contempt order
against Dr. Al-Arian. Please write to Judge Lee and ask him to lift
his order of contempt and hasten Dr. Al-Arian’s release. His family
needs him.

The Honorable Judge Gerald Lee
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
401 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314

III. You may write to Dr. Al-Arian at the following address:
Sami Al-Arian (#19638),
Northern Neck Regional Jail
P.O. Box 1060
Warsaw, VA 22572

END.