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<a href="http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/09/al-arian-seeks-release-while-awaiting-trial-contem/" eudora="autourl">
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/09/al-arian-seeks-release-while-awaiting-trial-contem/<br>
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</a><b>Al-Arian Seeks Release While Awaiting Trial<br><br>
</b>By <a href="mailto:esilvestrini@tampatrib.com">ELAINE SILVESTRINI</a>
| The Tampa Tribune <br><br>
Published: July 9, 2008<br><br>
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TAMPA – Attorneys for Sami Al-Arian are asking a federal judge in
Virginia to release the former University of South Florida professor on
bail while he awaits trial on charges of criminal contempt.<br><br>
Al-Arian has completed his federal sentence for helping a terrorist
group, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, but is still behind bars because he
refused to testify before a federal grand jury investigating Islamic
charities in Virginia.<br><br>
Under the terms of a plea deal in Tampa, Al-Arian was to be deported
after serving his federal prison sentence. Family members, including his
wife, moved to Egypt, but expect to return to the U.S. soon, according to
a bail motion filed by Al-Arian's attorneys.<br><br>
A bail hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday in Virginia, according
to court records.<br><br>
Attached to the bail motion are letters from Al-Arian supporters urging
his release.<br><br>
"Dozens of people have lined up to offer their assistance, including
putting up their homes as a guarantee for his return to court," said
defense attorney Jonathan Turley on his blog. "Dr. Al-Arian would
normally to be an easy case for bail, particularly given his willingness
to wear an electronic bracelet to allow continual monitoring. As we argue
in these filings, the opposition to bail is a continuation of a long and
abusive campaign by the Justice Department to prolong his confinement by
any means or method."<br><br>
According to the filing, if released, Al-Arian would stay with his son
and would resume his writing and speaking on human rights
issues.<br><br>
Al-Arian is willing to post his retirement pension, worth more than
$340,000, to secure his release, the filing states.<br><br>
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