Tigard man detained in Libya returns home - msnbc.com

TIGARD, Ore -- A Tigard man who got detained in Libya last month was finally able to return home Tuesday.

Jamal Tarhuni had gone on a three-month humanitarian trip with Medical Teams International. He was supposed to fly home in mid January, but he ran into a problem at the airport.

Tarhuni was stopped in Tunisia, where he said he was questioned by a Portland-based FBI agent. Tarhuni said he initially agreed to the questioning that delved into his religious practices, but stopped the interview after he was strapped to a lie detector and asked to waive his Miranda rights.

Background: Tigard man stuck in Libya

Tarhuni said he was told that he was on the "no-fly" list, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation did not confirm that information to KGW.

"Anybody from either the Arab or Muslim community, if you think you are safe, think again," Tarhumi said after landing at the Portland International Airport. "Today it's, me - tomorrow it could be you."

Another local man was denied re-entry into the United States at the same time as Tarhuni. Mustafa Elogbi, 60, of Portland, had gone to Libya to witness the post-Gadhafi era. Elogbi was ordered to "delay" his departure, but no reason was given.

Both Tarhumi and Elogbi are U.S. citizens. The two traveled separately to Libya last fall.