Al-Arian Collapses During Hunger Strike

Published: Feb 16, 2007

TAMPA - Sami Al-Arian, the former University of South Florida professor sentenced to prison for providing assistance to a terrorist group, collapsed Wednesday in a Virginia prison on the 23rd day of a hunger strike.

He was taken to a North Carolina medical facility.

He began his hunger strike after learning his sentence may be extended by up to 18 months for refusing to testify before a Virginia grand jury. His attorneys say an earlier plea agreement freed him from further cooperation with the government.

Ahmed Bedier, executive director of the Tampa Chapter of the Council of Islamic Relations, said Al-Arian's family is concerned about his health but knows he wants to make a statement about his "unjust treatment."

"His freedom is more important to him than his health," Bedier said.