Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Terrifying: USA vs Al-Arian



I came across this documentary a few months ago and have been waiting for its DVD distribution in the US. Looks like Link TV will be airing it a few times in May but they have also made the whole thing available online as well.
An excerpt from the summary:
In February 2003, the FBI arrested university professor and political activist Sami Al-Arian in Tampa, Florida. Charged with supporting terrorism, he was placed in solitary confinement for 2 1/2 years before he received a trial.

The film follows Sami, his wife Nahla and their five children through the 6 month long trial and the difficult period after the verdict. It is a personal story of a family, who like many Muslims in the USA today, are fighting against increasing stigmatization and discrimination in a post 911-climate.

The film deals with themes of freedom of speech, and the right to a fair trial. It also shows how the media influence public opinion and how the USA`s fear of and fight against terrorism can threaten civil liberties.


The scariest thing about this story is that Dr. Al Arian is still in prison to this day. This film rang very close to home for me especially after my ordeal in Atlanta. Stay tuned to their website, buy it, and screen it.

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