Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace
Jan. 23, 2006
Correcting an inaccurate recent report

TAMPA-

On Wednesday February 22, an interview with Dr. Sami Al-Arian was
granted to an Orlando Sentinel reporter, Pedro Ruz Gutierrez for
publication today. The objective of the interview was primarily to
talk about the conditions of confinement Dr. Al-Arian has suffered
for over three years.

When asked whether there were any negotiations between his attorneys
and the government, Dr. Al-Arian responded that he could not discuss
it, but commented off the record that it would have to preserve the
integrity of the jury verdict and the victory rendered by it.

At no point in the interview did Dr. Al-Arian make any comment about
any disagreement between himself and his attorneys on the absence
of witnesses on his behalf, or any other matter. The reporter used a
statement by a family member and attributed it to Dr. Al-Arian. It
is unfortunate and journalistically unethical that Mr. Gutierrez
wrongfully attributed remarks by another person to Dr. Al-Arian.

We call upon the Sentinel and Mr. Gutierrez to correct these
mistakes, and for any other news outlet to correct the facts of the
story before re-transmitting this story.

The following are excerpts from email messages by Mr. Gutierrez
about his intent in writing the story:

” I still would like to know about interviewing Sami, talk to him
about his plight and the jail conditions, especially because of the
three-year anniversary of his arrest this weekend.”

“I would submit questions to you and him in advance and would steer
clear of any pending legal matters. We would stick strictly to his
well being and the conditions at the jail.”

“As you can see my interview would be rather short and will not
delve into any legal issues or pending matters.”

===End.