Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace

Jan. 12, 2006
Amnesty International Urges Action on Behalf of Dr. Al-Arian

The respected human rights organization, Amnesty International, has
set up an Online Action Center to ensure fair treatment for Dr. Sami
Al-Arian at the following link:

http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?
c=goJTI0OvElH&b=953489&template=x.ascx&action=5215

Note: Please copy and paste the link into a seperate window if it
does not work by clicking it.

The suggested action includes a letter to be sent to Attorney
General Alberto Gonzales, Secretary Condoleezza Rice, and Secretary
Michael Chertoff (see below). Please fill out the form to support
justice for Dr. Al-Arian.

–Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace

I am deeply concerned about the fate of former University of South
Florida professor Dr. Sami Al-Arian. I urge you to clarify the
rationale for continuing to hold Dr. Al-Arian in detention without
bail, despite the recent acquittal by a jury of the most serious of
terrorism-related charges. The law requires that Dr. Al-Arian be
afforded humane treatment and due process in any further proceeding
against him.

For much of Al-Arian’s pre-trial detention, he was held in near
solitary confinement in a maximum security prison in harsh
conditions that were unnecessarily punitive and excessive. The terms
of his confinement included heavy shackling during visits by family
members and attorneys, denial of adequate exercise and limits on
visits with family and writing materials. Amnesty International has
previously expressed concern about Dr. Al-Arian’s treatment in
custody. Noting his acquittal on the most serious charges, I would
ask that these conditions, as well as the question of bail, be
revisited.

I understand that US authorities have indicated the possibility of
deporting Dr. Al-Arian, instead of retrying him. If this happens, I
request that Dr. Al-Arian be afforded an opportunity to contest any
and all evidence used in deportation proceedings. Dr. Al-Arian is a
stateless Palestinian, it is essential that the United States
ensures his safety prior to deportation to any host country.

I urge you to ensure that the United States affirms its obligation
to US law and international human rights standards by insisting that
Dr. Al-Arian is provided due process and fair treatment in any
continued proceedings.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.