Here are excerpts from an email from Sabri Ben Kahla to people whether from GMU or abroad. In his email, Mr. Benkahla summarized his legal matter and mentions an October 2006 search of his father’s medical supplies business.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/24/AR2007072401886.html
What questions did they ask him before the grand jury?
“Dear Brothers And Sisters: As-Salem Aleikum wa rahmtu Allah
I pray this letter finds you all in good health and high imaan. I haven’t spoken to many of you for a while. But if you are receiving this email, we have met somewhere along this journey of life. Whether it be from GMU, or studies abroad in Syria or Egypt, or the University of Medina, or JHU or Hajj or a masjid, or a conference, or some type of activity; I have met you. I pray that you remember me.
***
To give you an update on recent events of my life: In June of 2003, shortly before I was to graduate from the University of Medina with a degree in Islamic law, I was arrested in Saudi Arabia. I was held in a small concrete cell without charge or explanation and no human contact other than periodic interrogations for a month. At the end of the month I found out this was done at behest of the F.B.I.
***
I was the final defendant in the “Virginia 11” case. Because of lack of evidence those charges were dropped but the prosecution came up with new charges. On March 9, 2004 after 8 months of home confinement and a one day bench trial, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that I was not guilty on all counts. Instead of being allowed to get on with my life; after the acquittal, I was called for several “debriefings” with the F.B.I. I was compelled to testify before two Grand Juries.
***
Two years later, in February of 2006, I was indicted again in what my lawyers would argue is a case of double jeopardy; this time on charges of making false statements to the Grand Juries and obstruction of justice.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/22/AR2006022202125.html
***
In October of 2006, one week before my scheduled trial, the F.B.I. raided my father’s medical supplies business, causing my sister to be rushed to the hospital. They took boxes and boxes of our personal documents and belongings.
***
Finally, on February 5, 2007, my trial has come to an unfavorable conclusion. I was not allowed to mention to the jury that I was acquitted, yet the prosecution brought in all the “evidence” of the previous case which has already been ruled upon to prejudice the jury.
The Judge himself had to reprimand the prosecutors on several occasions. According to the guidelines I should face 1-2 years, but with the enhancements that have been used with Muslims, it could be pushed up to 15-20.
“None of you truly believes till he loves for his brother what he loves for himself,” and “to not take for granted any good action (m’aroof)” no matter how small it is.”
This letter will go straight to the judge, so no one should be afraid.
***
Your brother, Sabri Ben Kahla”
Los Angeles Times
July 5, 2007 Thursday
Home Edition
SECTION: MAIN NEWS; Editorial Pages Desk; Part A; Pg. 16
LENGTH: 149 words
HEADLINE: The bioterrorism business
BODY:
Re “Selling the threat of bioterrorism,” a Times investigation, July 1
It appears that, like Shiite politician Ahmad Chalabi, Ken Alibek has pulled
the wool over this naive administration’s eyes. All one has to do, it seems, is
to claim to have information that neatly dovetails into the preconceived notions
of the gullible neocons, and instant credibility and coincidently a lot of
government funding magically appear. Because the anthrax attacks have not been
solved, perhaps it would be prudent to ask Alibek questions to see whether he
might have information or ideas that would help solve these terrorist attacks.
He claims to know a lot about the use of anthrax as a weapon.
CHRIS CATSIMANES
Los Angeles Times
July 5, 2007 Thursday
Home Edition
SECTION: MAIN NEWS; Editorial Pages Desk; Part A; Pg. 16
LENGTH: 149 words
HEADLINE: The bioterrorism business
BODY:
Re “Selling the threat of bioterrorism,” a Times investigation, July 1
It appears that, like Shiite politician Ahmad Chalabi, Ken Alibek has pulled
the wool over this naive administration’s eyes. All one has to do, it seems, is
to claim to have information that neatly dovetails into the preconceived notions
of the gullible neocons, and instant credibility and coincidently a lot of
government funding magically appear. Because the anthrax attacks have not been
solved, perhaps it would be prudent to ask Alibek questions to see whether he
might have information or ideas that would help solve these terrorist attacks.
He claims to know a lot about the use of anthrax as a weapon.
CHRIS CATSIMANES