Film Student detained for 48 days
Title
Film Student detained for 48 days
Vtmbh article article file
Vtmbh article article order
4
Vtmbh article author
Salwa Al-Timimi
Vtmbh article blurb
A Lebanese film student, Salaam Al-Zatari, spent 48 days in solitary confinement in a Pennsylvania jail after a box cutter was found in his luggage. I ceased to feel that there is any respect for my humanity and religion in this country, he said.
Vtmbh article body
A Lebanese film student, Salaam Al-Zatari, spent 48 days in solitary confinement in a Pennsylvania jail after a box cutter was found in his luggage. That was considered sufficient reason for his incarceration, where he suffered a torrent of abuse because he was accused of terrorism, he said.
In February, Mr. Al-Zatari finished his studies. He was returning to Beirut to follow his dream of producing serious cinematic works when a box cutter was found in his luggage. Ordinarily I could mail the object to myself. However, I was arrested because I am an Arab and was considered a suspect, Mr. Al-Zatari said.
Upon my arrest I was subjected to psychological pressure and continuous provocative questioning, during which they looked for inconsistencies in my statements to make them seem not credible. Mr. Al-Zatari said he was only allowed to leave his cell for an hour a day. He also charged that, in violation of his civil rights, the authorities did not allow him to use the phone. His family knew about his situation only from media reports. Even his lawyer, who was retained through friends, was subjected to insults and threats for defending a terrorist.
Mr. Al-Zatari said that in detention, he felt intimidated and harassed by other inmates. The guards treated me very harshly as well, he said. After two weeks the interrogators started to focus on whether he was a member of Hezbollah or any other terrorist organization, and whether he was a Sunni or Shiite. Mr. Al-Zataris incarceration continued after his innocence was established, he charged. He said he thinks it was used to pressure the Lebanese government.
Mr. Al-Zatari believes the American media has participated in creating an atmosphere of hatred towards Arabs and Muslims.
I ceased to feel that there is any respect for my humanity and religion in this country, Mr. Al-Zatari said of his experience. He added that he thought one positive aspect of the fallout of September 11 might be the average Americans increased interest in Islam.
In February, Mr. Al-Zatari finished his studies. He was returning to Beirut to follow his dream of producing serious cinematic works when a box cutter was found in his luggage. Ordinarily I could mail the object to myself. However, I was arrested because I am an Arab and was considered a suspect, Mr. Al-Zatari said.
Upon my arrest I was subjected to psychological pressure and continuous provocative questioning, during which they looked for inconsistencies in my statements to make them seem not credible. Mr. Al-Zatari said he was only allowed to leave his cell for an hour a day. He also charged that, in violation of his civil rights, the authorities did not allow him to use the phone. His family knew about his situation only from media reports. Even his lawyer, who was retained through friends, was subjected to insults and threats for defending a terrorist.
Mr. Al-Zatari said that in detention, he felt intimidated and harassed by other inmates. The guards treated me very harshly as well, he said. After two weeks the interrogators started to focus on whether he was a member of Hezbollah or any other terrorist organization, and whether he was a Sunni or Shiite. Mr. Al-Zataris incarceration continued after his innocence was established, he charged. He said he thinks it was used to pressure the Lebanese government.
Mr. Al-Zatari believes the American media has participated in creating an atmosphere of hatred towards Arabs and Muslims.
I ceased to feel that there is any respect for my humanity and religion in this country, Mr. Al-Zatari said of his experience. He added that he thought one positive aspect of the fallout of September 11 might be the average Americans increased interest in Islam.
Vtmbh article date
2002-01-05
Vtmbh article edition
5
Vtmbh article hit count
54
Vtmbh article keywords
Vtmbh article line breaks
1
Vtmbh article original language
Arabic
Vtmbh article publication
Arab Voice
Vtmbh article section
news
Vtmbh article thumb
Vtmbh article title
Film Student detained for 48 days
Vtmbh article translator
Source
born-digital
Media Type
article
Original Name
A Lebanese film student, Salaam Al-Zatari, spent 48 days in solitary confinement in a Pennsylvania j
Created by Author
yes
Described by Author
no
Date Entered
2002-01-05
Collection
Citation
“Film Student detained for 48 days,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed October 1, 2026, https://911.dev.chnm.gmu.edu/items/1341/.