There is some justice left ...
I haven't really posted much about the trial of Dr. Sami Al-Arian in Tampa, Fl., but recent events have prompted me to do so!
Dr. Sami was arrested almost two years ago on allegations of supporting terrorism among other things. For anyone following the controversey over the USA Patriot act, this case was considered the "key court test" of the Patriot Act. Over the last several months, the prosecution presented their case against Dr. Sami -built on largely circumstantial evidence collected under the auspices of the USA Patriot ACT and the government's expanded 'search and surveillence' powers. The prosecution presented for nearly FIVE MONTHS.
And how did the defense respond to the prosecutions nearly five months of presentation of its case, including testimony from nearly 80 witnesses? The Al Arian defense was five words
"On behalf of Dr. Al-Arian, the defense rests."
[personal note - I was a little shocked, but it makes sense - if there is no case, there's nothing to defend!]
Yesterday, the jury came back with its verdict - Dr. Al-Arian was acquitted of 8 of 17 charges, with the jury remaining deadlocked on the remaning charges!!! One commentator put it best - Courtroom defeats for prosecutors don’t come much more embarrassing than the one suffered Tuesday!
Now, you'd think that this would make for breaking news ... I mean, this was a huge case right? To put it into perspective - on Feb 20, 2003 - then attorney-general John Ashcroft personally announced the indictment, in a press conference carried live on CNN, followed up by ABC, NBC and CBS giving the story substantial airtime. The trial is rumored to have cost 30 million dollars.
Huge. Newsworthy - at least you'd think.
Well, guess what - none of networks reported the acquittal at all. yeah, I know - SHOCKER. Although it was on the NY Times website earlier today, and CNN had a short story on it too -- its all but disappeared in the black hole of non-consequential news. I don't know, but a 30 million dollar trial that was the mainstay of one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in recent history seems pretty consequential to me. But thats just me.
So, since not alot of people generally follow these types of issues, and don't neccessarily go looking for the information - I decided to give it a little attention. If you're interested ... and want to read more about the trial, Dr. Sami's recent acquittal CLICK HERE ; or here
When I get my act together and fix this blog, I'll have more links up.
Dr. Sami was arrested almost two years ago on allegations of supporting terrorism among other things. For anyone following the controversey over the USA Patriot act, this case was considered the "key court test" of the Patriot Act. Over the last several months, the prosecution presented their case against Dr. Sami -built on largely circumstantial evidence collected under the auspices of the USA Patriot ACT and the government's expanded 'search and surveillence' powers. The prosecution presented for nearly FIVE MONTHS.
And how did the defense respond to the prosecutions nearly five months of presentation of its case, including testimony from nearly 80 witnesses? The Al Arian defense was five words
"On behalf of Dr. Al-Arian, the defense rests."
[personal note - I was a little shocked, but it makes sense - if there is no case, there's nothing to defend!]
Yesterday, the jury came back with its verdict - Dr. Al-Arian was acquitted of 8 of 17 charges, with the jury remaining deadlocked on the remaning charges!!! One commentator put it best - Courtroom defeats for prosecutors don’t come much more embarrassing than the one suffered Tuesday!
Now, you'd think that this would make for breaking news ... I mean, this was a huge case right? To put it into perspective - on Feb 20, 2003 - then attorney-general John Ashcroft personally announced the indictment, in a press conference carried live on CNN, followed up by ABC, NBC and CBS giving the story substantial airtime. The trial is rumored to have cost 30 million dollars.
Huge. Newsworthy - at least you'd think.
Well, guess what - none of networks reported the acquittal at all. yeah, I know - SHOCKER. Although it was on the NY Times website earlier today, and CNN had a short story on it too -- its all but disappeared in the black hole of non-consequential news. I don't know, but a 30 million dollar trial that was the mainstay of one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in recent history seems pretty consequential to me. But thats just me.
So, since not alot of people generally follow these types of issues, and don't neccessarily go looking for the information - I decided to give it a little attention. If you're interested ... and want to read more about the trial, Dr. Sami's recent acquittal CLICK HERE ; or here
When I get my act together and fix this blog, I'll have more links up.
Labels: Following Al Arian
posted by zai5h at Wednesday, December 07, 2005
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