About Us

 

Friends of Human Rights (FHR) was first formed in Tampa, Florida, in response to the arrest of local professor Dr. Sami Al-Arian in February of 2003 on terrorism charges.  Initially called the Free Sami Action Committee, the purpose was to support Dr. Al-Arian in his quest for justice and to inform and educate the public about what was happening to Dr. Al-Arian, as well as the loss of civil liberties in our society at large. As numbers expanded, the committee became very aware that the abuses happening to Sami were happening to others as well, and could in fact happen to any of us. In early 2005, the Committee became the Friends of Human Rights, recognizing our concern for the rights of all.

        

Membership in Friends of Human Rights is very diverse. Members speak multiple languages, represent several religions, and live throughout the United States. The local Planning Committee includes Congregationalists, Quakers, Muslims, Buddhists and Unitarian Universalists.