Thursday, April 10, 2008

Update on Sam Malkandi's Trial

As someone who was present at the trial said, "It was pretty intense and I was quite surprised about how many "old" arguments they brought up despite the criminal case about Sam being dropped by the FBI long ago."

Sam's neighbor, Joleen, did a great job of summing up yesterday's court hearing....


Hello everyone,
Thank you so much for the support regarding today's hearing. I figure that there about 60-65 supporters there today, filling up the court and also in the hall. The judges noticed and commented on the fact that there were "even people in the hall". A few minutes were taken at the start so that more room could be made for people to come in and sit.

The beginning was a bit rough and I think a lot of hearts felt a bit heavy, but then it seemed to turn around in Sam's favor. The opposing attorney from Washington, DC did not seem very well prepared and was not able to provide documents or evidence when asked. (I'm trying to be nice and not say what I really thought of him and what he had to say!) Sam's attorney, Shaakirrah, did a wonderful job and we are all very proud of her and the job she did. Shaakirrah was interviewed following the hearing by Dave Pippin of KBCS and can be heard Thursday morning between 6-7 am on One World Report channel 91.3 in Seattle. Mali was questioned but not interviewed, but was interviewed by Evergreen University who is completing the original documentary regarding Sam's case.

The toughest part today was watching Arvin's face when he heard his dad called "a liar". He looked at his mom and whispered "my dad's not a liar" and then burst into tears. My husband spent the rest of the hearing with him in the lobby and explained to Arvin that this man doesn't know his dad, nor does he really, truly know anything about him. This made Arvin feel much better.

Thank you again so much for those of you who took the time from your day, job, etc. to make it to the hearing. It did matter! Thank you, also, to those of you who could not be there but prayed. I will let you know when we hear something. It could be 1 day or 6 months!

Joleen


A recording from the hearing (Case Number 06-73491)

Thoughts and prayers for the Malkandi family are still needed for Sam's case to be favorably resolved.

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