Dr. Al-Arian Released on Bail!

After 5 Grueling Years, a Moment of Repose

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs025/1102168938563/archive/1102224980734.html

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.
Sami Al-Arian with Lawyer Jonathan Turley "We owe so much to our
lawyers, Prof. Jonathan Turley, Will Olson, and P.J. Meitl," Abdullah
Al-Arian told the TBCJP. "Their incredible work for justice has
allowed our family to finally be reunited after so long. On behalf of
my father and my family, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

For his part, Dr. Al-Arian's lead attorney Jonathan Turley told the
AP "We are obviously relieved and delighted," noting that the release
would allow Sami to see his son off to college and to spend the
Muslim holy month of Ramadan with his family.

Dr. Al-Arian will remain under house arrest until he is brought to
trial for the current contempt charges against him or until several
motions for dismissal are decided. On August 8th, Judge Brinkema
postponed the trial pending Dr. Al-Arian's appeal before the Supreme
Court concerning the prosecution's violation of the 2006 plea
agreement.

This is a great day for freedom and justice in America. We would like
to express our gratitude to all of you who protested Dr. Al-Arian's
imprisonment, wrote letters, made telephone calls, supported the
defense fund, and offered their prayers and support. Your efforts
HAVE made a difference. Stay tuned for more updates on how to help
our campaign grow!