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Posted on 01/11/2003 1:30:28 AM PST by kattracks
BUFFALO - One of six men charged with being part of a terrorist sleeper cell pleaded guilty yesterday to supporting Al Qaeda by attending one of its training camps in Afghanistan.Faysal Galab, 26, entered the surprise plea after a day-long series of negotiations with prosecutors. He is expected to testify against his five co-defendants.
Galab admitted to willfully and illegally contributing support to Osama Bin Laden and his terrorist organization, a felony that carries a sentence of one to 10 years in prison.
If Galab fully cooperates with the government, it will recommend a term of seven years in prison.
Prosecutors say the men were awaiting orders from Bin Laden's group to carry out an attack in the U.S. but have acknowledged there was no evidence the men posed an imminent threat.
Guns and rockets
Galab's lawyer, Joseph LaTona, said that while his client knowingly attended the training camp, he never admitted wanting to harm Americans.
"He has not admitted to being a member of Al Qaeda. He has not admitted planning or preparing or agreeing to engage in any acts of terrorism whatsoever," LaTona said. He declined to say why Galab attended the camp.
At the Afghanistan camp, Galab was taught to use numerous weapons, including M-16s, rocket grenades and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. He also received training in explosives and tactics.
Prosecutors say the men heard Bin Laden declare there "is going to be a fight against Americans."
The alleged leader of the Lackawanna cell, Yemeni-American Kamal Derwish, was believed killed in a CIA air strike Nov. 3 in Yemen, U.S. officials have said.
My personal hope: After his release, he'll be found with a couple of subsonic .22 holes in the back of his head.
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