Thank you Gucho and Calpernia for the ping regarding the Imam's arrest.
Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/newsreleases/articles/051125cleveland.htm
News Release
November 25, 2005
OHIO IMAM IN ICE CUSTODY
Charged with soliciting funds for terror activity
CLEVELAND - U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) today announced the apprehension of an Ohio Imam for his involvement in fundraising for a terrorist organization and for terrorist activity.
Fawaz Mohammed Damrah, 44, was arrested early this morning without incident. The charges against Damrah allege that he is removable from the United States on national security grounds for having solicited funds and provided material support for a terrorist organization and for terrorist activity.
In 2004, Damrah was convicted and sentenced in U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, for unlawfully obtaining his United States citizenship through false statements in violation of Title 18, Section 1425(a) and (b), United States Code. According to court documents, Damrah concealed from the former INS his membership in and/or affiliation with: (1) Afghan Refugee Services, Inc., aka Al- Kifah Refugee Center; (2) Palestinian Islamic Jihad, aka the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine; and (3) Islamic Committee for Palestine (ICP). Damrah concealed from the former INS the fact that he had, prior to his application for citizenship, "incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution" of Jews and others by advocating and/or supporting violent terrorists attacks against Jews and others. Sentencing for Damrah included two months in prison, four months home confinement and revocation of his U.S. citizenship. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction and the revocation of Damrah's U.S. citizenship, which allows ICE to begin the process of removing him the country.
"The open arms and welcoming nature of the United States is reserved for those who abide by and respect our laws and not those who attempt to defraud us and use our freedoms and open society to support acts of violence and terrorism," said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations for Ohio and Michigan. "With today's arrest, ICE begins the process of removing from the United States a criminal alien who has unequivocally supported terrorists and terrorist organizations."
Damrah remains in ICE custody. A bond hearing before an immigration judge is likely to occur next week.
ICE appreciates the tremendous support provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio, and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Cleveland for their assistance in this case.
-- ICE --
Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://washingtondc.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel05/wfousa112205.htm
U.S. Department of Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CRM
November 22, 2005 (202) 514-2007
WWW.USDOJ.GOV TDD (202) 514-1888
United States Attorney Paul J. McNulty announced that defendant Ahmed Omar Abu Ali was convicted today by a jury in the Eastern District of Virginia on all counts of a Superseding Indictment charging him with terrorism offenses. The jury unanimously found Abu Ali, age 24 of Falls Church, Virginia, guilty of (1) conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (al-Qaeda); (2) providing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (al-Qaeda); (3) conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists; (4) providing material support to terrorists; (5) contribution of services to al-Qaeda; (6) receipt of funds and services from al-Qaeda; (7) conspiracy to assassinate the President of the United States; (8) conspiracy to commit air piracy; and (9) conspiracy to destroy aircraft.
The evidence at trial included evidence that Abu Ali had joined an al-Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia; that he received training from members of the cell in weapons, explosives, and document forgery from an al-Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia; plotted with senior al-Qaeda operatives to personally carry out the assassination of the President; engaged in a conspiracy to hijack and destroy civilian airliners in a scheme substantially similar to the September 11, 2001, attacks; and researched nuclear power facilities in the United States at the behest of a senior al-Qaeda operative.
United States Attorney McNulty stated: "The evidence presented in this case firmly established Abu Ali as a dangerous terrorist who posed a grave threat to our national security. This conviction is the result of extraordinary law enforcement work and international cooperation. It serves as a clear warning to all that terrorists can and will be brought to the bar of justice."
The defendant faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison. Sentencing has been scheduled for February 17, 2006.
Assistant United States Attorneys David H. Laufman and Stephen M. Campbell, Department of Justice Trial Attorney Jerry R. DeMaio, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Mala Tusk prosecuted the case for the United States. The case was investigated by agents of the Washington Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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