End of 60 Day Hunger Strike

Press Conference for Dr. Sami Al-Arian Announcing End to 60 Day Prison Hunger Strike

MAS Freedom-North Carolina, Family Members, Human Rights and Interfaith Groups, Hold Press Conference and Rally at Prison

WASHINGTON, DC - Mar. 23, 2007 (MASNET) The North Carolina chapter of the Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom Foundation will hold a press conference for Dr. Sami Al-Arian. The press conference will be held on March 24th in Butner, NC, off of Hwy 85, Exit 189 at 10:00 AM. The college professor and human rights activist, who recently suspended his hunger strike that lasted a total of 60 days, has gained national and international recognition for his political stance. (For legal facts see: http://www.masnet.org/takeaction.asp?id=4010 )

Legal scholars, human rights groups, and religious leaders have called for the release of Dr. Al-Arian and recently, a film documentary about the plight of Dr. Al-Arian was shown at the Norwegian parliament.

Joining the press conference will be Dr. Al-Arian's wife and daughter (Nahla and Laila Al-Arian) and other supporters.

"Given Dr. Sami Al-Arian's health considerations we are deeply relieved that he has decided to suspend his 60 day fast for justice. However, we are deeply troubled by the abuses of the legal process that contributed to his current predicament. "stated Khalilah Sabra, Director of the MAS Freedom Foundation-NC

Mahdi Bray, Executive Director of the MAS Freedom Foundation stated, "Dr. Al-Arian was never convicted by an American jury of his peers of any wrongdoing or crime. It is time that our government respects the jury's verdict and release him. The sacrifice that Dr. Al-Arian and his family have made in the cause of justice compels us at the Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom Foundation to work more intensely for his unconditional release, so that he can be reunited with his family."

For more information contact Khalilah Sabra at: (919) 345-8105, (202) 421-3623, or ksabra@masnet.org