Fairfax, VA – September 2, 2008 – After five-and-a-half years of harsh and gratutious detention, former Florida professor and civil rights activist Dr. Sami Al-Arian was released on bond, reuniting with his family for the first time since his ordeal began in 2003.

Earlier today (Tuesday), the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) filed an order for the release of Dr. Al-Arian from their custody. Judge Brinkema originally granted Dr. Al-Arian bail on July 10 and reaffirmed that decision last month, but the ICE continued to detain him until today on the pretext that they were completing deportation procedures.  

Last week, Dr. Al-Arian’s attorneys filed a petition for habeas corpus with the court, challenging the continued unlawful detention by ICE. Judge Brinkema gave the government until today to respond. Their response came in the form of an order for Dr. Al-Arian’s release on bail. 

Dr. Al-Arian’s family was overjoyed upon hearing the news. Four of his five children along with his attorney met him at an ICE facility in Fairfax, Virginia earlier this afternoon. “We couldn’t believe our eyes,” Leena, Dr. Al-Arian’s second oldest daughter, said. “We were so relieved. It’s been 2,020 days since he’s last been with us.”

His eldest daughter Laila added that “We are overjoyed that our father is finally back with us after what felt like an eternity. I hope that this is just the beginning, that he’ll be finally released for good, and that this horrific nightmare will be over. We’d like to thank all the people who’ve supported my father throughout the past several years. Their consistent dedication and hard work in the cause of justice has been invaluable.” Dr. Al-Arian – who is unable to make any direct statements to the press because of his legal situation – echoed these sentiments, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for the countless thousands who have shown their support for his case.