Dr. Al-Arian Faces Shocking Abuse in New Facility

Yesterday morning, Dr. Sami Al-Arian was transported by immigration agents to the Hampton Roads Regional Jail in Portsmouth, Virginia. Since arriving at the facility, he has been subjected to numerous, shocking abuses, even worse than those he experienced at a detention center in Maryland.

When Dr. Al-Arian arrived at Hampton Roads Jail, he was initially placed in the general population and given a standard green uniform. Hours later, however, he was placed in segregation unit. Officials told him that he was placed on suicide watch because he was not eating. Dr. Al-Arian is on the 45th day of a hunger strike to protest the government’s refusal to honor its agreement and release him.

After placing him on suicide watch, prison guards confiscated all of Dr. Al-Arian’s belongings. His clothing, including undergarments, were taken away, and he was given only a thin hospital gown to wear in the cold prison. Although Dr. Al-Arian suffers from weak eyesight, his eyeglasses were also taken away. His cell contains no bed sheets, blankets or pillows, only a hard metal bed frame beneath a one-inch mattress. Furthermore, guards took his drinking cup needed to drink water, which is critical during his hunger strike. Further, Dr. Al-Arian was also told that he would only be given one telephone call every 15 days, and that he would not be allowed any attorney calls. Even if he were to be given regular calls, a single call from Hampton Roads Regional Jail costs $25.

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