September 5, 2003 ALERT:

MUSLIM GOING TO JAIL 2ND TIME FOR REFUSING TO TESTIFY

(Chicago, IL--- 9/3/2003) On Friday, September 5, 2203, Dr. Abdelhaleem Ashqar surrender himself to U.S. Marshals. Ashqar was charged with civil contempt for refusing to testify before a grand jury in Chicago this summer and may spend up to 18 months prison as the government attempts to coerce him to testify in what he has described as an Israeli politically motivated investigation. This will be the 2nd time that Ashqar has been jailed for refusing to testify.

In 1998 Ashqar was summoned to testify, but refused to do so out of fear that despite being given immunity, his statements would be used against him by Israel. He was jailed for contempt and began an immediate hunger strike that lasted for six months, winning him release, but also leaving him with permanent physical ailments.

Ashqar came to this country from Palestine on a government sponsored scholarship in 1989. Since then he has been the target of government harassment and surveillance, but has neither been accused of, nor charged with any wrongdoing in the United States.

Prior to coming to America, Dr. Ashqar was a well known student activist in the Palestine territories. His political views which are critical of Israeli occupation and mistreatment of Palestinians lead to his arrest and torture by the Israeli military.

Dr. Ashqar has stated that he would die before he testifies because his religious and political beliefs will not let him participate in a politically charged investigation that may harm him, and other Palestinians who have dared to speak out against Israel's occupation.

Individuals interested in supporting Dr. Ashqar should call the MAS Freedom office or contact the Free Dr. Ashqar Committee in care of MAS Freedom Foundation 1050 17th St. Suite #600 N.W., Washington, DC 20036.

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MAS Freedom Foundation
1050 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-496-1288 or 703-998-6525
Freedom@masnet.org
www.masnet.org