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First anniversary of detention:
American Muslim Voice appeals to all Arabs, Muslims
and fellow Americans to support Dr. Sami Al-Arian
"I'm crucified today because of who I am, a stateless Palestinian, an Arab and Muslim, an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights." "I'm a prisoner because of the hysteria engulfing this country in the aftermath of the 9-11 tragedy, and because there are very powerful political groups which are thirsty for my blood. I'm not the enemy, but the forces of exclusion and intolerance are." Sami Al-Arian; February 25, 2003
February 20th marks the first anniversary of Dr. Sami Al-Arian’s detention on charges of financing the terrorist organizations overseas. Dr. Al-Arian, a prominent Muslim academician and civil rights activist since early 80s, is waiting for his trial that will not begin before January 2005.
Dr. A-Arian helped establish several organizations including the largest grass root organization in the U.S., the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) in 1981, the World and Islam Studies Enterprise (WISE) in 1990, and the National Coalition to Protect Political Freedom (NCPPF).
While awaiting trial to begin in January 2005, Dr. Al-Arian is being held in a Special Housing Unit despite being a pre-trial detainee (presumably innocent) and faces abusive and inhumane treatment at the hands of the authorities. These circumstances have made it very difficult for Dr. Al-Arian’s family to visit him. In order to see his lawyers, Dr. Al-Arian has to be handcuffed behind his back and bent over. The former University of South Florida engineering professor also has to write with pencils no longer than what golf players use to keep track of score.
American Muslim Voice appeals to all Arabs, Muslims and fellow Americans to support Dr. Sami Al-Arian and his family in their plight. The AMV urges you to support Dr. Al-Arian in his ordeal by contributing to his Legal Defense Fund. You can write letters of support to him and can send books. You can send books directly to him from the publishers only.
Mailing Address: (to send letters and books)
Federal Correctional Complex - USP
#40939-018
P. O. Box 1033
Coleman, FL 33521
To contribute to his defense fund please mail your checks to:
National Liberty Fund (Dr. Arian)
AG Consulting
1054 31st St
NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC 20007.
February 5, 2004
A message from the American Muslim Voice Executive Director
Dear all,
It is almost a year since Dr. Sami Al-Arian has been in prison. I am requesting all Arabs, Muslims and my fellow Americans to think about him and his family. He has five children, two of whom I have met and spent a couple of days with. Our administration is not just punishing Dr. Sami Al- Arian. His family is being punished too. They have to put their future on hold. His oldest son wanted to attend law school but could not do that due to the unfortunate arrest of his father. Please think of them when you are having fun with your children; that his children are losing precious moments that they could be spending with their dad. Let’s sacrifice some of our desires for their necessity. Let’s do everything in our power to bring their dad home. Remember in our country the law is “A man is innocent until proven guilty.” Please stand by him.
Please contribute to his defense fund to ensure excellent representation for him. The administration most certainly has a whole team working against him. In all fairness, we need to make sure that we have the best team to defend Dr. Sami Al-Arian. May Allah reward all of you for your generosity.
Samina Faheem Sundas
Executive Director,
American Muslim Voice,
www.amuslimvoice.org
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