Professor Sami Al-Arian

Eighteen more months in prison, then deportation.

As part of the plea agreement, he admitted being associated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad since the late 1980s and providing "services" for the group, which included filing for immigration benefits for key members, hiding the identities of those men and lying about his involvement.

Al-Arian's attorneys argued during his trial that although he and his co-defendants were vocal advocates for the Palestinian cause, the government had no proof they planned or knew about specific acts of violence. They said the money the defendants raised was for legitimate charities.

The judge, however, said he believed Al-Arian was "an active leader" in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad who raised money for suicide bombings in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Dismissing the defense contentions that money was raised for charities, Moody said: "Your only connection to widows and orphans was that you create them."

U.S. Attorney Paul Perez claimed victory, saying the pursuit of Al-Arian allowed federal agents to identify and disrupt a terrorist cell operating in this country.

According to the article there is some confusion as to where he should be deported. Seems a little strange to me, letting a terrorist go home.

posted by Laura. at 07:42 PM

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