The magistrate judge did note that a number of people spoke in support of Mehanna."They describe him as kind, religious, and gentle in his behavior and dedicated to his community. They describe Mehanna's parents and family in similar or even more glowing terms. The Court credits this evidence. However, the Court has before it evidence that there is another side to Mehanna," Sorokin said.
"This evidence ... shows Mehanna promoted terrorist activities, encouraged others to engage in terrorism, recruited others to participate in terrorism, and protected, or attempted to protect, a terrorist from law enforcement scrutiny," Sorokin said.
I suspect the revelations about the Fort Hood jihadist, someone also described as "religious," may have influenced the judge in his decision to deny bail.
OPINION:
Not really.
The evidence is pretty cut and dry, in my opinion.
It’s not uncommon for a suspect to have character witnesses describing the suspect as nice, kind, regular, upstanding community member, ad nauseum.
It’s pretty standard stuff.