Posted on 07/13/2005 9:26:52 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - A prominent U.S.-based Islamic scholar who exhorted his followers after the Sept. 11 attacks to join the Taliban and fight U.S. troops was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison.
Ali al-Timimi of Fairfax was convicted in April of soliciting others to levy war against the United States, inducing others to aid the Taliban, and inducing others to use firearms in violation of federal law. The cleric addressed the court for 10 minutes before his sentencing.
"I will not admit guilt nor seek the court's mercy. I do this simply because I am innocent," al-Timimi said.
Prosecutors said the defendant, a native U.S. citizen who has an international following in some Muslim circles, wielded enormous influence among a group of young Muslim men in northern Virginia who played paintball games in 2000 and 2001. Authorities said they were a "Virginia jihad network" training for holy war around the globe.
Nine members of the group have been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy, with prison terms ranging from three years to life.
Al-Timimi's lawyers argued that their client merely suggested that Muslims may want to leave the United States after Sept. 11 because of the potential for a backlash against them.
But he was accused of telling a group of young Muslim men just days after the attack that an apocalyptic battle between Muslims and nonbelievers was at hand and that Muslims were obligated to engage in holy war. He told the group that defense of the Taliban was a requirement and that U.S. troops were a legitimate target, according to court testimony.
Several of the men who heard Al-Timimi's speech traveled days later to Pakistan and began training with a militant Islamic group called Lashkar-e-Taiba, officials said. Some testified that their goal was to obtain training that would allow them to fight alongside the Taliban, though none actually made it to Afghanistan.
Islam is already one of, if not the fastest growing sect behind prison walls ... he'll fit right in
Treason. What ever happened to the tried and true method of dispatch for traitors?
The British will fail to learn from this case at their continued peril.
And this is the one who got caught (did someone squeal?), imagine the ones who didn't.
Yes, exactly. The writer obviously wants to paint the sentence as drastic for such a world famous "scholar", but then we're not told what that means. I'd like to know a little more about him.
I hope they keep this guy in solitary so he isn't allowed to spread the word of Allah in prison.
Worse...the feckless UC awarded him a fat bonus for fomenting rebellion against the USA. Shameful.
They should house him with the shims.
Okay, this POS is now in prison, but get Dick Turban behind bars and THEN I'll know we're serious about taking down enemy sympathizers!
Stick him.
On today's penitentiary menu: Pork chops.
GOOD POINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And here in Virginia, "life" means LIFE.
Nope - he's leaving toes-up.
He was sentenced in a federal court. Parole has been abolished in the federal court system, therefore, a life sentence is a life sentence in this case.
Akin Gump ping.
God bless my fine commonwealth for putting away a terrorist for life!
A new poster boy for the ACLU. I expect they'll be heading up his legal appeal. He'll be back in Pakistan long before his "life sentence" is served.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.