The Politik of Tork

Guilty Because Immigration Authorities Say So!

Ok, I am sure some of you have seen this article. Here's a quick snippet to start the discussion.


Federal authorities hit with a stunning defeat in a terrorism case against a former Florida college professor are considering deporting him instead of retrying him.

A complex case that took a decade to assemble was rejected Tuesday when a jury acquitted Sami Al-Arian of eight of the 17 federal charges against him and deadlocked on the rest.


Ok, seems to me the guy was not found guilty. If they decide to retry him, isn't he innocent until proven guilty? At least that's what I thought. Instead, it appears that immigration is going to take matters into it's own hands.


If the government decides to abandon the remaining charges, it is doubtful Al-Arian will be permitted to return to his previous life in Tampa. He had been a computer engineering professor at the University of South Florida but was fired after his indictment.

U.S. immigration authorities are holding him on an immigration detainer and will probably try to deport him if he is released from jail. The agency can deport any foreigner it deems a terrorism risk. The burden of proof for deportation is lower than it is in the criminal courts.


So, here is what I am seeing. He wasn't found guilty. The government is questioning whether or not they should retry him. Immigration is waiting for their crack at him because it's easier to call him a terrorist as far as they're concerned. Doesn't that seem like the government is circumventing our judicial system?

With the Patriot Act in place, prosecutors couldn't get a conviction. I guess that goes to show you what a giant steaming pile of poo it really is.

posted by Matt @ 4:59 AM