Looking for the film? Link TV was streaming this program to coincide with its premiere on the channel. To watch the film, tune in to Link TV on one of the listed air dates.

UPDATE: Sami Al-Arian has been released from custody pending his second trial. Learn more.

This revealing documentary presents a close portrait of an Arab-American family facing terrorism charges leveled by the U.S. government.

In February 2003, the FBI arrested university professor and political activist Sami Al-Arian in Tampa, Florida. Charged with supporting terrorism, he was placed in solitary confinement for 2 1/2 years before he received a trial.

The film follows Sami, his wife Nahla and their five children through the 6 month long trial and the difficult period after the verdict. It is a personal story of a family, who like  many Muslims in the USA today, are fighting against  increasing stigmatization and discrimination in a post 911-climate.

The film deals with themes of freedom of speech,  and the right to a fair trial. It also shows how the media influence public opinion and how the USA`s fear of and fight against terrorism can threaten civil liberties.

LEARN MORE:

Help Sami Al-Arian at Free Sami Al-Arian

Visit the film's website

Read more about the case at Amnesty International

About Doc-Debut
This film is part of Doc-Debut, a regular series on Link TV highlighting unique and groundbreaking international documentary films. Each week features the U.S. television premiere of a new foreign doc, offering American audiences unprecedented perspectives on world events and culture, as seen through the eyes of individuals across the globe. The series also provides a unique outlet for films by independent directors and producers to reach a much wider international audience.

DOC-DEBUT airs every Sunday at 8pm Pacific and every Saturday at 8pm Eastern.