Al-Arian free after 5 grueling years

(InFocus News Staff) McLEAN, Va. – Dr. Sami Al-Arian released his first public statement since being released from custody on Sept. 2, after five years. "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. These words, uttered by Thomas Jefferson more than two centuries ago, ring true today," Al-Arian wrote. "Indeed, freedom restores the most precious qualities of life, dignity, and humanity," he added. Al-Arian expressed deep gratitude to his supporters."My thanks go to those in all corners of the globe who have campaigned for my case and for other prisoners of conscience. It takes courage and principle to stand up for justice at a time when fear often trumps rationality and fairness."
Al-Arian was being held by immigration officials as he awaited trial on charges of refusing to testify before a grand jury about a cluster of Muslim organizations in northern Virginia. A federal judge on several occasions has expressed skepticism about the government’s contempt charges, and ordered immigration authorities to explain by Sept. 2 why they were continuing to hold Al-Arian. Al-Arian will be on home detention at his daughter Laila’s residence in Virginia while he awaits trial. The release allowed Al-Arian to spend Ramadan with his family. "We are overjoyed that our father is finally back with us after what felt like an eternity," Laila al-Arian said. "I hope that this is just the beginning, that he’ll be finally released for good, and that this horrific nightmare will be over." Al-Arian had been in federal custody since February 2003, when federal prosecutors charged him with being a leader of a terror group. A jury acquitted him on some charges in 2005 and deadlocked on others. He eventually struck a plea bargain and was sentenced to nearly five years in prison. While serving that sentence, federal prosecutors in Virginia sought his testimony for a grand jury investigation. Al-Arian refused to testify, and prosecutors earlier this year filed criminal contempt charges. Al-Arian finished the sentence, and his attorney argued that immigration authorities had no basis to detain Al-Arian and should either deport him to Egypt or release him pending the trial. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema last month postponed the trial after saying the government had filed charges prematurely. She also questioned whether the contempt charges violate the terms of Al-Arian’s plea agreement, which bars the Justice Department from standing in the way of Al-Arian’s deportation after he served his sentence.

VILLA PARK, Ill. — Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan was among hundreds of Muslims attending a suburban Chicago service on Sept. 11 to mourn the death of Imam W.D. Mohammed, the son of Nation of Islam founder Elijah Muhammad.