Free Dr. Ashqar Committee (FDAC)
Post Office
Box 151264
Alexandria, Virginia 22315
The trial of Brother Dr. Abdelhaleem Ashqar has started on October 12th, 2006 . The trial is taking place in the district court in Chicago , IL with Federal Judge Amy St. Eve presiding over the case. The Government is expected to wrap up its case by mid December and then the defense will start presenting its defense. The entire case is expected to last through the end of January 2007.
Free Dr. Ashqar Committee (FDAC) is facing major financial crisis and the outcome of the case can be adversely affected if the funds shortages are not addressed immediately. The FDAC still owe about $230,000 for the legal defense team, lead by Mr. Bill Moffit, and for associated legal expenses. Mr. Moffit has recently completed a successful trial representing Dr. Sami Al-Arian who was found not guilty on some of the major federal charges against him. In addition, the committee borrowed $377,000 from community members to pay the retainer fees and other expenses for the attorneys’ defense team. The legal expenses are crucial to allow the defense team to call upon defense witnesses, including expert witnesses, translation of critical materials and legal team travel and accommodation.
FDAC is once again calling upon our generous communities across the US to continue their moral and financial support for Dr. Ashqar’s legal defense fund. The outcome of his trial is critical to our community in stopping the federal government from targeting Muslims and Palestinian activists who are merely exercising their first amendment rights of freedom of speech. In case Dr. Ashqar is convicted, he would face spending the rest of his life behind bars.
For further information on the case and to donate by credit card, please visit FDAC website (http://www.free-ashqar.org). You can also send your donations by mail (checks and money orders only) to FDAC’s address above. Cash donations can be only accepted in person.
May Allah reward you for your support of Brother Dr. Abdelhaleem’s case, whether by your Du’aa, financial support or both.