WASHINGTON, Dec 23: An expatriate university professor has been dismissed from his post for allegedly being active in the campaign for the release of his brother-in-law, Dr Mazen Al-Najjar.

Dr Mazen Al-Najjar spent more than three years in detention under provisions that permit secret evidence that may not be produced in court.

He was ordered to be released by a court last year, with the judge saying he had found no reason to keep him under arrest. But Dr Al-Najjar was re-arrested last month on immigration charges.

His relative, the dismissed professor, Sami Al-Arain, who taught at the University of South Florida, was active in the campaign against the use of secret evidence and for the release of Dr Mazen. Before his dismissal, the professor, who held a tenured post, was sent home on paid leave.