ABC LBN: Former 'dirty bomb' Suspect Jose Padilla Pleaded Not Guilty

[sabra]

http://abcnews.go.com/?CMP=EMC-1396

Breaking News FORMER 'DIRTY BOMB' SUSPECT JOSE PADILLA PLEADED NOT GUILTY TO CRIMINAL CHARGES HE WAS PART OF A SECRET TERRORIST NETWORK

more info:

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/13610088.htm

Ex-'combatant' Padilla pleads not guilty to terror cell charges


MIAMI - Jose Padilla, the U.S. citizen held by the Bush administration for over three years as an illegal "enemy combatant," pleaded not guilty Thursday to criminal charges that he was part of a secret network that supported violent Muslim extremists around the world.

Padilla entered the plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Garber one week after he was transferred from military to civilian custody. Garber then began hearing arguments to determine whether Padilla should be released on bail, which is opposed by federal prosecutors.

Padilla, 35, was indicted in November on charges of conspiring to murder U.S. nationals and providing material support to terrorists as part of a North American cell that provided money, material and fighters for violent Islamic jihad. He faces a potential life sentence.

The former Chicago gang member and Muslim convert was held for 3 1/2 years as an enemy combatant after U.S. officials claimed he plotted as an al-Qaida operative to detonate a radioactive "dirty bomb" and blow up apartment buildings in major U.S. cities. But the indictment makes no mention of those allegations.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Since the charges against this fellow

have changed since he was first arrested and held (illegally, imho), I'm wondering if there will be enough to convict him even on this charge?

[Inland]

2. I'm wondering if a not guilty verdict would help him any.

Since the admin is expressly reserving the right to throw him back in the brig even after a not guilty verdict as an enemy combatant or whatever legal-sounding term the USG dreams up as a euphemism for the permanently jailed without trial.

[Benhurst]

3. Yes, but such is the nature of BushAmerican justice.

So much for "the Shining City on the Hill" and all that crap.

[saigon68]

4. These Thugs-- make up their own rules

[aquart]

5. He pled not guilty? Interesting.

Also interesting is the disappearance of our irregular verbs.