By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-864671.mp3
Albany, NY – An area religious leader has written a book of observations on the Aref-Hossain FBI Sting Case. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
"Rounded Up: Artificial Terrorists and Muslim Entrapment After 9/11" advances arguments that the 2004 terrorism case against Albany residents Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain was more of a "frame-up" than a sting --- the two are serving 15-year federal prison sentences for their involvement in a missile plot.
Dr. Shamshad Ahmad is president of the Masjid As-Salam mosque - he's taught Physics at UAlbany for 30 years - in his book Ahmad interprets information, evidence in the case and the actual "sting" tapes in the way he believes Aref and Hossain perceived the events as they unfolded.
In the book's closing chapters, Ahmad contends his activisim helped convice a judge to halve Aref and Hossain's recommended prison terms. Steve Downs acts as Yassin Aref's volunteer attorney. He says Ahmad's personality gives the book a unique perspective.
The book should be in full distribution within the week, available in local bookstores and worldwide via the Internet. The proceeds will go to the newly formed "Aref Education Fund," set up by Ahmad for the educational needs of Aref's four children.
A spokeswoman for the Albany office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation says the FBI has no comment.