| This thread has been locked, it will not receive new replies. |
|
Locked on 02/01/2007 7:40:51 PM PST by Admin Moderator, reason:
New thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1777773/posts |
Posted on 01/02/2007 7:23:18 PM PST by nwctwx
SAN FRANCISCO - A federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out the sentence of a man who was convicted of plotting to bomb Los Angeles International Airport at the turn of the millennium.
Ahmed Ressam was arrested near the U.S.-Canadian border in December 1999 after customs agents found 124 pounds of explosives in the trunk of his car. Prosecutors said he was intent on bombing the airport on the eve of the millennium. The arrest raised fears of terrorism attacks and prompted the cancellation of millennium celebrations at Seattle's Space Needle. p>Ressam was sentenced to 22 years in prison after being convicted off all nine charges. On Tuesday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco reversed his conviction on one of the charges and sent the case back to a lower court to issue a new sentence and explain the rationale behind the original 22-year term.
The decision does not necessarily mean Ressam will get a shorter term. Judges are given wide latitude to sentence defendants as they see fit. After his conviction in 2001, Ressam began cooperating with authorities in hopes of winning a reduced sentence. Over the next two years, according to court documents, he provided information on more than 100 potential terrorists and testified against coconspirator Moktar Haouari and Sept. 11 plotter Mounir el-Motassadeq.
Ressam told authorities he saw Zacarias Moussaoui at a training camp in Afghanistan in 1998. He also told investigators about the type of shoe bomb Richard Reid attempted to detonate on a U.S.-bound airline flight in 2001, and provided information about a network of Algerian terrorists in Europe.
U.S. District Judge John Coughenour of Seattle, who sentenced Ressam, said the information he provided was "startlingly helpful." But Ressam's cooperation came to a halt by early 2003, resulting in charges being dropped against two other coconspirators. His lawyers said years of solitary confinement, broken by periods of intense interrogation, had taken their toll on his mental health and corrupted his memory.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070116/ap_on_re_us/millennium_terror_3
"24"
Yep, we're hooked. Now have the rest of the family also refusing to make plans on Monday nights.
It may not be the best show on TV, but it is certainly entertaining..........and addictive.
UPDATE:
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyID=2007-01-16T180400Z_01_N16422415_RTRUKOC_0_US-USA-CONGRESS-EVACUATE.xml&WTmodLoc=USNewsHome_C1_%5BFeed%5D-9
"Police give "all clear" in House evacuation"
Tue Jan 16, 2007 1:04pm ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A police spokeswoman was not immediately available to comment on what may have caused the alarm, but a House aide said an "all clear" was given."
LONDON - An international terror suspect who had been under a controversial loose form of house arrest is on the run, Home Secretary John Reid said.
The unidentified person is the third to slip the net since Prime Minister Tony Blair's government introduced control orders in 2005. They were brought in as a compromise measure after a court ruled it could not hold foreign terror suspects indefinitely in prison without charge or trial. In a written statement to lawmakers, Reid, who is already under pressure over a series of administrative blunders by his department, said that the individual had absconded earlier this month.
The individual, who was compelled to report daily to police and surrender travel documents, had "recently been radicalised and wanted to travel abroad for terrorism-related purposes", Reid said. It was not believed that the person was a threat to the public, he added.
Excerpted
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070116/wl_uk_afp/britainsecuritylaws_070116191643
Russian Security on High Alert After Being Warned About Possible Terror Attack on Mass Transit
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
MOSCOW — Russian authorities have ordered security forces on high alert after receiving information from foreign officials pointing to the threat of a terrorist attack on public transportation, officials said Tuesday. Authorities were checking information about the potential threat, they said.
A federal anti-terrorism headquarters received information "from foreign partners ... about the possibility a subversive terrorist act could be committed on ground transport and in the metro," according to a statement confirmed by a Federal Security Service official who said he was not authorized to give his nam
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,243986,00.html
Hezbollah Inside America: FOX News Tells All in Documentary
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Does any terrorist organization pose a greater threat to Americans than Al Qaeda? The shocking answer to that question unfolds this Saturday, January 20th, at 8 p.p. EST, as FOX News Channel presents a breakthrough documentary, “Smokescreen: Hezbollah Inside America.”
While Americans are still largely focused on Al Qaeda and Usama bin Laden — who’s presumably rotting away in some cave — the terrorist group Hezbollah has been setting up shop right here in America’s heartland. And most Americans don’t know a thing about it. But we should no more about Hezbollah — a lot more.
As tensions with Iran are increasing, it’s important to keep in mind that Hezbollah is largely funded by Iran and has operated as its tool in terror operations around the world. As former Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte recently reminded us: “Hezbollah’s self-confidence and hostility toward the U.S. as a supporter of Israel could cause the group to increase its contingency planning against U.S. interests.”
Excerpted
Thanks to you both. Another "move along, nothing to see".
THIS IS TOTALLY DISCONCERTING and it is the top story today (at least for me).
Thanks, I've been busy today and never did hear a follow up.
Shaking my head at this news..............
SNIP:
"As the jury was neither instructed that such a relationship was a required element of the offense, nor did the government offer evidence that Ressam's explosives were used to facilitate his false customs declaration, his conviction on Count 9 must be reversed," Judge Pamela Ann Rymer wrote for a split three-judge panel.
"We vacate the entire sentence so that the district court can resentence in light of this decision."
______________________________________________________
Feds Defend Partnership With Islamic Group Under Scrutiny
January 16, 2007
Federal government agencies are defending their continuing cooperation with a high-profile Islamic organization at a time when its alleged ties to terrorists have come under renewed scrutiny.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has historic links to a U.S.-based group charged with terrorist funding, and several individuals associated with CAIR have been jailed for terror-related offenses (
Its critics also charge that while CAIR officials condemn terrorist attacks, they commonly refuse to condemn terror groups by name, particularly the Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese-based Hizballah.
Much more at link:
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200701/NAT20070116a.html
WASHINGTON -- Fighter jet parts and other sensitive U.S. military gear seized from front companies for Iran and brokers for China have been traced in criminal cases to a surprising source: the Pentagon.
In one case, federal investigators said, contraband purchased in Defense Department surplus auctions was delivered to Iran, a country President Bush has branded part of an "axis of evil."
In that instance, a Pakistani arms broker convicted of exporting U.S. missile parts to Iran resumed business after his release from prison. He purchased Chinook helicopter engine parts for Iran from a U.S. company that had bought them in a Pentagon surplus sale. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents say those parts did make it to Iran.
Sensitive military surplus items are supposed to be demilitarized or "de-milled" - rendered useless for military purposes - or, if auctioned, sold only to buyers who promise to obey U.S. arms embargoes, export controls and other laws. Yet the surplus sales can operate like a supermarket for arms dealers.
"Right Item, Right Time, Right Place, Right Price, Every Time. Best Value Solutions for America's Warfighters," the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service says on its Web site, calling itself "the place to obtain original U.S. Government surplus property."
Federal investigators are increasingly anxious that Iran is within easy reach of a top priority on its shopping list: parts for the precious fleet of F-14 "Tomcat" fighter jets the United States let Iran buy in the 1970s when it was an ally.
In one case, convicted middlemen for Iran bought Tomcat parts from the Defense Department's surplus division. Customs agents confiscated them and returned them to the Pentagon, which sold them again - customs evidence tags still attached - to another buyer, a suspected broker for Iran.
Much more at link including related videos:
Big thanks Cindy.
(January 16, 2007)
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/January/07_crm_021.html
Iranian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to
Commit Visa Fraud in Connection with a Visas-for-Sale
Scheme at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
WASHINGTON – An Iranian national has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud before the Honorable Ricardo M. Urbina in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division announced today.
Shahram Shajirat, a citizen of Iran, was indicted in January 2004 along with his wife and co-conspirator, Soraya Marghi, in connection with a visas-for-sale ring operated out of the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in the summer of 1999. Through this scheme, at least 25 Iranian men, women and children purchased U.S. non-immigrant visas from Shajirat and Marghi for travel to the United States without undergoing the required security protocols. As part of his plea of guilty, Shajirat will cooperate fully with U.S. authorities to identify each of the visa recipients who illegally received non-immigrant visas.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Judge Urbina set a sentencing date for April 12, 2007.
Marghi, who has dual Canadian and Iranian citizenship, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud in connection with the same illegal scheme before Judge Urbina on October 20, 2005. Marghi has cooperated with U.S. authorities.
The case is being prosecuted by Matthew C. Solomon and William J. Corcoran of the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division, headed by Acting Chief Edward C. Nucci. The case is being investigated by the Visa Fraud Branch of the Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State.
###
07-021
You're welcome and thanks to you Oorang.
Quite a lot of news today.
RECAP:
(January 12, 2007)
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/January/07_crt_015.html
New York City Man Pleads Guilty
to Human Trafficking Charge
WASHINGTON - A man from Queens, N.Y., pleaded guilty today to attempting to recruit a Korean woman whom he believed to be a minor to work as a prostitute, the Justice Department announced today.
Do Hyup Bae pleaded guilty to charges relating to the operation of a network of over 25 Korean-owned brothels that were located throughout the northeastern part of the United States, including New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Several of these brothels were located in Queens, N.Y.
“This case illustrates the complexity and scope of human trafficking operations,” said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who would profit from the systematic abuse of others.”
According to the superseding indictment, the brothels, which were operated under the cover of legitimate businesses, typically employed between two and eight prostitutes, the majority of whom were Korean nationals who had entered the country on tourist visas. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution payments for human trafficking charges.
The prosecution of individuals involved in human trafficking is a top priority of the Justice Department. In the last six fiscal years, the Civil Rights Division, in conjunction with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, has increased by six-fold the number of human trafficking cases filed in court, compared to the previous six years.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Solette Magnelli of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Chen of the Eastern District of New York.
###
07-015
You're welcome RR.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1768556/posts
"Top Islamist commander(Islamic Court Union) arrested"
eastandard.net ^ | Jan 16 2007 | Victor Obure
Posted on 01/16/2007 2:21:00 PM PST by Dog
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A top union of Islamic court (UIC) commander was on Tuesday arrested in Garissa district as hundreds of fleeing refugees from Somalia camped at the border.
Conflicting reports indicated that Sheikh Ahmed Sharif Sheikh, believed to be second in command to UIC leader Sheikh Hassan Aweys, was captured in a remote location near Dadaab refugee camp.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Islamist commander was arrested at a road block in Damajale location, while heading to the United Nations High Commissioner for refugee camps in Dadaab division.
Sources claimed that the Islamist leader was travelling in a tinted Toyota Land Cruiser and was picked by Kenyan authorities and briefly put in custody at the UNHCR sub office.
Other reports however alleged that the Islamist leader voluntarily surrendered to Kenyan officials at the border and requested for asylum status through the refugee agency.
Although Sheikh Sharif reportedly resigned from the command of the defeated UIC, he was perceived to be most influential and powerful member of the militia force."
NOTE: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=2713
Iraqi Cell Leader Killed, Another Captured; 13 Detained
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2007 – Coalition forces killed the leader of an improvised-explosive-device cell and captured another in Iraq over the past three days, and coalition forces have detained 13 suspected insurgents this week, U.S. military officials said.
Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained seven suspected terrorists today during a raid targeting an IED cell in Baghdad. As coalition forces neared the objective, three individuals fled to a river, where two of the suspected terrorists surrendered without incident.
A third armed terrorist who refused to surrender began maneuvering toward coalition forces and was shot and killed. Coalition forces also detained five other suspected terrorists.
A day earlier, 8th Iraqi Army Division forces with coalition advisors captured a suspected IED cell leader in Hajjan, west of Kut. The suspect is an experienced IED builder responsible for attacks on convoys traveling in the area, military officials said. Iraqi security forces detained three additional people for questioning.
Also in Iraq yesterday, a suicide car bomb detonated near an Iraqi Army checkpoint in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Mansour, killing two Iraqi army soldiers and seriously wounding three others.
Elsewhere in Iraq, soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, detained three suspected insurgents Jan. 14 while patrolling the Jurf As Sahkr water treatment plant, 35 miles southwest of Baghdad.
The patrol witnessed the insurgents stripping a vehicle for use as a potential car bomb. As the patrol neared, the insurgents fled in different directions and shot at the patrol from two nearby houses. The detainees are being held for further questioning.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Note: The folloiwng text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=2715
Afghan Citizens Prevent Terrorist Attack on U.S. Base
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 16, 2007 – Two Afghan citizens prevented a terrorist attack this morning when a vehicle loaded with explosives attempted to crash through the front gate of Camp Phoenix, a U.S. base here.
“Without any regard for their personal safety, a local Afghan security officer and an interpreter immediately recognized that this was a terrorist attack,” said 1st Lt. Cathrin Fraker, a spokeswoman for Task Force Phoenix.
“Together, the two prevented the driver from detonating his explosives after they failed to explode during the crash. With the assistance of the U.S. security forces, they dragged the terrorist from the vehicle, where U.S. security force soldiers then detained him,” she explained.
The area was immediately evacuated, and an explosive ordnance disposal team was called to the scene.
Afghan security force soldiers, with assistance from the Afghan National Police and U.S. soldiers, immediately cordoned off the area and waited for the EOD team to disarm the bomb.
“If it wasn’t for the quick actions of the local nationals working for the U.S. forces, several lives would have been lost,” Army Col. David B. Enyeart, the deputy task force commander, said.
During an attempt to disarm the explosives, the device detonated, but no U.S. or coalition soldiers were injured, Fraker said.
“We are grateful for the bravery and the continued diligence of our Afghan partners and the security force soldiers and who protect this base,” Enyeart said.
(From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)
Very off topic...........but, it delights me to see you spell "you're" correctly. (retired Engish teacher here)
Grammar Nazi mode off.
Yes, lots of news here today.
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.