Farouk Abdel Muhti, who often spoke out on Palestinian issues on New York radio station WBAI, has been charged with no crime and faces possible deportation from the country where he has lived for 37 years.

Last week Farouk Abdel Muhti spent his 500th day in jail. He has been charged with no crime and faces possible deportation from the country where he lived for 37 years. Farouk, who often spoke out on Palestinian issues on New York radio station WBAI, was detained on April 26, 2002. He has been detained ever since, often in solitary confinement. His supporters consider him to be a political prisoner. He is 56 years old. He is in failing health but remains handcuffed and shackled when he goes to the health clinic.

• David Wilson, Member of the Committee for the Release of Farouk Abdel Mhouti.