Sometimes they put innocent men in prison. Yassin Aref is one of those men. This book is the story of a UN refugee who sought peace and freedom in America. A Muslim imam entrapped in a phony “sting” concocted by the FBI, accused of aiding terrorism, & sentenced in 2007 to 15 years in federal prison. Yassin Aref is currently incarcerated at the Communications Management Unit in Terre Haute, Indiana (also known as “GitMo in the Midwest”). This story is of an Iraqi Kurd who has struggled all his life just to survive. In 1970 Yassin was born to illiterate farming parents, grew up under the rule of Saddam Hussein, encountering tremendous poverty, brutality, and repression; as a teenager, he sympathized with the Kurdish peshmerga (freedom fighters) and risked his life opposing the dictator’s genocide against the Kurds.
This is a special presentation; usually, we have speakers on environmental topics. However, sometimes local events are so important, we must bring in speakers to discuss them. Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain were targeted and entrapped by the FBI in a sting operation. Their case, which became national news, involves civil rights, the constitution, use of secret evidence, and fear. Everyone needs to know what happened to these two men.
Bring your questions, and learn more about this nationally significant case.
The book, Son of Mountains, will be available for purchase (cost is $27 plus tax). The proceeds from the book go to Yassin Aref’s children. A special message from Mr. Aref will be placed in each book sold.
At the First Presbyterian Church, (State and Willett Sts, Albany, please enter from State St.). We will have a special menu tonight!
Special note about the food:
The food will be made by Fatima, Mohammed Hossain’s wife and owner of Little Italy Pizza at 2 Central Avenue. The delicious menu will include eggplant parmigiana, vegetable stir-fry and rice, samosas, special bread, salad and homemade pies.
Only $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $2 for children. People who make reservations are served first. For reservations, please leave a message for Rezsin Adams at 462-0891 or Lynne Jackson at 434-1954. Interested people are welcome to attend the program beginning at 7:00 for which there is no charge. Bring your friends and family, this will be an evening you won’t forget!
