Dr. Sami Al-Arian Released on Bail After 5 Years of Incarceration

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Free Sami Al-Arian!

http://www.FreeSami Now.com

Dr. Al-Arian Released on Bail!
After 5 Grueling Years, a Moment of Repose
Sami Al-Arian with Family

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!