Former Florida University professor Sami al-Arian is heading to jail.
Reuters reports that al-Arian was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for aiding the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad.
The ex-professor was sentenced to 57 months in prison, but a U.S. District Judge took into consideration the 38 months al-Arian already served. He will now serve the 19 month balance and then be deported according to the Reuters report citing prosecutors.
In February 2003, Al-Arian was arrested on charges he gave money and support to the terrorist organization Islamic Jihad.
Reuters writes, "He was acquitted on eight of the 17 charges against him last December after a six month trial with three co-defendants. On April 14, al-Arian pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to provide services to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and agreed to be deported. In return, federal prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining eight charges against him."
The story goes on to say that the U.S. District Judge, in his ruling, criticized al-Arian.
"You lifted not one finger. To the contrary, you laughed when you heard of the bombings," he said. "You are a master manipulator. The evidence is clear in this case. you were a leader of the PIJ."
