February 17, 2009 – Alexandria, VA – Last week featured important legal developments in Dr. Sami Al-Arian’s case. In a second round of motions, government prosecutors have once again asked the judge to reconsider her latest rulings in the case. Specifically, they are asking that she reverse her decision to compel the government to turn over evidence regarding the negotiations for the 2006 plea agreement concluded between Dr. Al-Arian and the Department of Justice (see previous press release for details). 

There will be an important hearing in Dr. Al-Arian’s case this Friday, February 20th at 9 AM sharp. The defense, having responded strongly to the government’s motions, believes the judge should deny the prosecutors’ motion for reconsideration. This hearing will be very important in charting the course of the case, as it will determine whether Dr. Al-Arian will be able to present a defense during the trial. In their motion, prosecutors seek to prevent the court and the public from getting to the bottom of the facts in the case: specifically, they refuse to turn over evidence regarding prior promises made to Dr. Al-Arian by the government that he would not have to cooperate in any other cases and that he would be deported expeditiously following the completion of his sentence in 2006.

It is vital that as many of Dr. Al-Arian’s supporters as possible attend the hearing and witness the government’s unjustifiable refusal to shed light on what actually occurred during the plea negotiations.

Supporters are advised to come to the courthouse no later than 8:45 A.M. to ensure seating. The courthouse (address below) is within walking distance from the King Street Station (Blue and Yellow Lines). Click here for metro schedules and maps. Click here for Google Maps for directions to the courthouse.

Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse
401 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314

This coming Friday also marks the sixth year since Dr. Al-Arian’s arrest under the auspices of the Bush administration. Despite a promise three years ago by the Department of Justice that Dr. Al-Arian’s case would be concluded after signing the plea agreement, his ordeal continues with seemingly no end in sight.

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