Professor Denied Bail in Terrorism Case

(AP/Washington Post) Palestinian-born professor Sami al-Arian will remain jailed without bond until his trial on charges that he led a terrorist organization's U.S. operations and helped its members enter the country, a federal judge in Tampa ruled Thursday. The former University of South Florida computer engineering professor, and co-defendant Sameeh Hammoudeh, must remain jailed because each poses a danger and a flight risk, U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Pizzo ruled. "These two, based on the government's strong presentation, repeatedly assisted, promoted, or managed the [Palestinian Islamic Jihad], an organization which indiscriminately murders to achieve its goals," Pizzo wrote. The defendants were indicted on Feb. 20 on racketeering, conspiracy, and other charges. Prosecutors say al-Arian ran the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's U.S. operations. The government says the group is responsible for 100 murders in Israel and its territories.


2003-04-11 00:00:00

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