JEDDAH, 26 November 2002 — Dr. Yasser Boushnak, supervisor of Solidarity USA, has expressed his anguish at news of the stress suffered by Saudi businessman Osama Basannan as a result of his arrest and interrogation by US authorities and his consequent separation from his wife and children.
Basannan, who was detained by US authorities for questioning on his alleged links with Sept. 11 hijackers, arrived in the Kingdom last week after being acquitted by a San Diego court.
He is presently undergoing treatment for psychological problems at a Jeddah hospital.
“We express our deep sorrow over the mental torment of Basannan as a result of the alleged maltreatment he faced during his detention,” Boushnak told Arab News.
He added that his organization will send a message of protest to the American Justice Department if it is medically proven that Basannan’s health worsened as a direct result of his detention and his separation from his family.
He also expressed his surprise at the decision to deport both Basannan and his wife from the United States for visa violations when they have American children by birth, something that allows one of the parents to seek a court intervention against deportation.
As a civil rights organization, Solidarity USA assists victims of official actions following the Sept.11 events.
