CAIR Seeks Release of Fla. Muslim Arrested After Acquittal

TAMPA - The Tampa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling for the immediate release of a former USF student who was acquitted on all counts of federal explosives charges last week.

Monday Youssef Megahed was arrested again, while he and his father were walking out of the Wal-Mart on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Monday.

Immigration officials have confirmed Megahed in their custody, and say they arrested him for civil violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Megahed's parents say they've been unable to talk to their son. A 3-page letter sent to the public defender's office states even though Megahed was found not guilty he could possibly face deportation.

During a news conference Tuesday morning, members of CAIR called his arrest a miscarriage of justice.

"This seems to be a double jeopardy," Ramzy Kilic said. "What kind of message are they sending to the jury and the honorable Judge Merryday?"

Megahed's parents say they have no idea where their son is, but believe he will be taken to a detention center in Miami. They are working to hire an immigration attorney for him.

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