Israel denies role in stalled release (US Govt blames Israel

[wakeme2008]

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/03/01/Tampabay/Israel_denies_role_in.shtml

Israel denies role in stalled release

Prosecutors say Israel has a problem with Sameeh Hammoudeh. But Israeli officials say he's an American issue.

MEG LAUGHLIN
Published March 1, 2006

TAMPA - Sameeh Hammoudeh was acquitted 12 weeks ago in the terrorism-related federal trial of Sami Al-Arian, but remains in jail under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The reason, according to federal prosecutors: The Israeli government won't let him pass from Amman, Jordan, to his home in Ramallah in the West Bank. So, he cannot be released from jail and deported until he gets an Israeli clearance.

..cut..

Ariel Roman, a consulate spokesman, said, "The government of Israel is not involved in why Hammoudeh is not being sent. It is an internal affair of the American government, not Israel."

..cut..

If you want to see on the micro level what the war on terrorism can do to an innocent human being, look at my case," Hammoudeh told the St. Petersburg Times on Tuesday, in a telephone interview from the Manatee County Jail.
..more at link...

[Behind the Aegis]

1. Making of a 'fall guy."

This will play well...in some places.