March 7, 2007

Dr. Sami Al Alrian still languishes in US federal prisons. The U.S. government made a plea agreement with al Arian which was to have led to his release by April of  2007. However, as the release approached Dr. al Arian was called yet again to testify before a different grand jury, causing his prison time be extended again for up to 18 additional months. This is a clear violation of the plea agreement on the part of the U.S. Government.  There is nothing to stop the use of additional grand juries to extend his prison time again and again and again. So, on January 22, Dr. al Arian began a hunger strike.  He has lost 45 pounds in 43 days and has been moved to a prison medical facility where his health continues to deteriorate. Yet he remains resolute that the injustice must be addressed through whatever means he has left to use.
As Americans as well as people of faith and conscience, we understand there is something fundamentally unfair, and probably illegal, about extending a person's prison time with no end in sight.  While we realize this is a complex issue, we are asking that you do two things – and quickly, as Sami al Arian’s health is deteriorating.  A nationwide petition is being circulated to gain his release. Please learn about his case and do sign the petition.