US Deports Professor Sami Al-Arian for Criticizing Israel and Backing Palestinian Rights

Sami Al-Arian speaks at a news conference in Tampa, Florida, on August 22, 2002, at the office of his lawyer. Al-Arian's family, from left, daughters Laila and Leena, his wife, Nahla, and son, Abdullah, listened behind him. (Photo: Gary Bogdon / The New York Times)

By Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett, Consortium News -Saturday, 07 February 2015

One of the ugliest post-9/11 trials was the terrorism prosecution of a Palestinian immigrant, Dr. Sami Al-Arian, for using strong words in criticizing Israel and backing Palestinian rights, a case that amounted to thought crimes. It has now ended with Al-Arian's deportation.

Earlier this week, the U.S. government deported our friend and colleague, Dr. Sami Al-Arian, from the United States. Turkey has granted him sanctuary.

US Deports Professor Sami Al-Arian for Criticizing Israel and Backing Palestinian Rights by Thavam Ratna