Posted on 03/22/2006 9:40:47 PM PST by NormsRevenge
A federal magistrate has recommended that a leading fundraiser for an Islamic charity allegedly linked to terrorists should be released from detention after nearly two years.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Johnson filed his recommendation Tuesday for the release of Abdel-Jabbar Hamdan, 45. The recommendation must be approved by another judge.
Hamdan was still being held late Wednesday at the Terminal Island federal detention facility, according to a woman who answered the phone at Hamdan's Buena Park home. The woman, who identified herself as Hamdan's daughter, said the family did not know when he might be released and declined further comment. Later messages left at the home were not immediately returned.
Hamdan, who also founded a mosque in Anaheim, was arrested on immigration charges in July 2004 as federal authorities unsealed an indictment against the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development. The government charged the Texas-based charity funneled millions to the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The following month, Hamdan was ordered deported on the immigration charges. His requests to be released on bond were repeatedly denied.
In his recommendation, Johnson noted Hamdan had not been criminally charged and would not be deported anytime soon.
"It is apparent that the petitioner has been detained for a period of time beyond that which is reasonably required to conclude his removal proceedings," Johnson said.
Lawyers for both sides did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Hamdan was born in a Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank and came to the United States on a student visa in 1979.
Yeah, I agree. Release him into the West Bank. Make sure that everyone knows how well he cooperated with authorities in securing his release. Hey, even better, make a big ceremony over there thanking him for his help and giving him a reward.
Cash.
Now, anyone wanna take bets on how far he makes it towards the bank?
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