Idaho Student Acquitted of Terrorism Charges

In a victory for the First Amendment rights of Internet users, jurors returned a verdict today acquitting University of Idaho graduate student Sami Omar Al-Hussayen of terrorism charges. Hussayen had been charged in federal court with providing "material support" to terrorists in the form of "expert advice and assistance," based on his activities as webmaster for a number of web sites and message boards serving Muslims. This same law, which was expanded by the USA PATRIOT Act, has already been found unconstitutional by one federal court.

"Providing a forum for Internet speakers -- especially those with controversial political or religious views -- is a service to the First Amendment, not a crime," says EFF attorney and Equal Justice Works fellow Kevin Bankston. "Hopefully, the jury's acquittal in this case will convince the Department of Justice to think twice before it again tries to prosecute someone for exercising his right to free speech."

Contact:

Kevin Bankston
Attorney, Equal Justice Works / Bruce J. Ennis Fellow
Electronic Frontier Foundation
bankston@eff.org
+1 415 436-9333 x126