Beating repression back

Dealing a huge setback to government overreach and erosion of American rights, a jury in Tampa, FL acquitted a man of US Justice Dept charges that he was a terrorist cell member.

Originally trumpeted by former Atty. Gen. Asscroft in 2003, as “a milestone in the war on terror,” the case fell apart with acquittal of eight of 17 charges and a deadlock on the remaining nine. The verdict marks a “stunning defeat for federal prosecutors.”

“This ranks as one of the most significant defeats for the US government, for the Justice Department since 9/11,” said Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University Law School. “The Justice Department spent copious amounts of money and time to make the case against Al-Arian.”

Today the BBC reports that Arian, born in Kuwait – but a US resident for 30 years, feels he was targeted only because of his opinions about the state of Israel and its treatment of Palestinians and Palestinian rights. Also the LA Times reports that this setback for the government will result in further scrutiny of Justice Department claims that the Patriot Act tools used in this case are vital to defend the country.

Maybe there is hope after all.
Posted on The Human Stain