Dear Judge McCoun:

Thank you for allowing Al-Arian and Hammoudeh to remain in Orient
Road County Prison where they are able to better prepare for their
defense and where they are not subjected to inhumane treatment. It
would be even more equitable if they were freed on bail. I understand
that the poisonous political atmosphere that exists locally and
nationally against Arab-Muslims probably contributed to this
regrettable decision.

Our legal system provides for a presumption of innocence. Is it
possible that Al-Arian did really contribute to the beleaguered,
occupied Palestinian people who are living under almost unimaginable
conditions? Many of my friends certainly did and do contribute to the
Irish and Israel people. Some of their charitable contribution did
get diverted to or were even purposefully were used for munitions.
Our government did not single them out as terrorists.

As this incarceration drags on and on I think about the accidentally
shredded evidence, the evidence that has not been turned over to the
defense, and the abusive treatment of the detainees at Coleman. I
wonder if there will even be a trial because the detainees may not be
physically or mentally able to stand trial. I wouldn't be fit and
able. Would you?

The government does not need a conviction – they have already
silenced Al-Arian from speaking out about the situation in Palestine.
We who value the importance of the first, fourth, fifth, sixth,
eighth and fourteenth amendments feel threatened by the USA Patriot
Act and executive orders. All we have to rely on are you, Judge Moody
and other jurists.

Are you going to let us down?

Sincerely,

Dwight Lawton
St. Petersburg, Florida

ACTION ALERT:
Please contact Judge McCoun to request that Dr. Al-Arian remains in
Orient County Road Jail in Tampa, Florida, where he is closer to
family members and evidence he must examine before trial.

The Honorable Thomas B. McCoun
U.S. District Court
801 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33602