Abdullah Al-Arian, George W. Bush, Laila Al-Arian

Sami Al-Arian has worked for many years as a dedicated activist and lobbyist for the Palestinian cause in the USA. In 2003 he was arrested and jailed, accused by American authorities of having given economic support to Palestinian terrorist groups. In spite of many years of investigation, hearings, ... (read more) Sami Al-Arian has worked for many years as a dedicated activist and lobbyist for the Palestinian cause in the USA. In 2003 he was arrested and jailed, accused by American authorities of having given economic support to Palestinian terrorist groups. In spite of many years of investigation, hearings, and a six-month long, high profile court case with over 80 witnesses, the authorities were unable to convince a jury that Al-Arian was guilty. But this verdict did not make a difference--Al-Arian is still in jail. The documentary allows the audience to follow the case against Al-Arian through the eyes of his wife and children, and shows the consequences of the USA's controversial Patriot Act--a law that was promoted as a necessary step in the war against terror--and which has led to loss of freedom, betrayal of civil rights, and political persecution.

Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed by: Line Halvorsen
Release Date: