Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace
April 13, 2003
Dr. Al-Arian Denied Bond

URGENT DONATIONS NEEDED FOR DR. AL-ARIAN’S LEGAL DEFENSE

Tampa–

On April 10, 2003, Judge Mark A. Pizzo of Tampa, Florida denied bail for Dr. Sami Al-Arian. The Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace regrets Judge Pizzo’s decision and would like to further stress that Dr. Al-Arian, a U.S. resident for nearly 30 years and the father of five U.S.-born children, is neither a flight risk nor a threat to any community.

To the contrary, Dr. Al-Arian has long been an advocate for preserving the civil rights of all Americans, particularly within the context of abolishing the unconstitutional use of secret evidence in American courtrooms.

It must be emphasized that Judge Pizzo did NOT have access to any evidence in the government’s case against Dr. Al-Arian. He based most of his decision on an indictment that has not yet been rebutted by Al- Arian or his attorneys.

As has been recently reported in a number of articles in the press this past week, Judge Pizzo was informed by the government about a significant flaw in the indictment. The government revealed that it was mistaken when it accused Hatem Fariz of communicating with with an Islamic Jihad affiliate. In fact, Fariz had been speaking with someone else. This can hardly be dismissed as a simple case of mistaken identity. It is just the beginning of a process that will reveal weaknesses and inaccuraces in the indictment.

The Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace urges all freedom- loving communities across the United States to stand up for Dr. Al- Arian’s right to a fair trial. We need your help and support in obtaining legal counsel.

The time is NOW to help raise the necessary funds to take this case to the next level. The freedom of an entire community is at stake. Below is the information for the legal defense fund. We cannot stress the importance of this initial contribution to begin the process of defending Dr. Al-Arian and the liberty of all Americans.

Legal Defense Fund
First Union National Bank
Routing: 055003201
Account #: 2000007044261

Or make checks payable to Legal Defense Fund and mail to:

Legal Defense Fund
P.O. Box 22580
Alexandria, VA 22304

Contributions are not tax deductible. If you have any questions.