Feds appeal sentences of Padilla, 2 others

[seafan]

Source: Miami Herald

Federal prosecutors in Miami have appealed the sentences of Jose Padilla and two other men convicted of conspiring to provide ''material support'' for the global terrorist group al Qaeda.
Prosecutors announced Friday the filing of their appellate notice with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in the closely watched terrorism case. Defense lawyers had filed theirs at the beginning of February.

In January, a federal judge rejected prosecutors' bids for life sentences for Padilla and two codefendants, saying their support for Islamic extremists abroad did not call for the severe punishment given to the nation's worst terrorists.

U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke gave Padilla a prison term of 17 years and four months for participating in a South Florida-based conspiracy to aid Muslims in ``violent jihad.''
The judge's decision to grant far below a life sentence was a major disappointment to the Justice Department, which had to authorize the appeal.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/438966.html

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The destruction of the CIA torture tapes affect this case.

[seafan]

1. Old thread on CIA torture tapes affecting Padilla, Moussaoui and 9-11 Commission report

Destroyed torture tapes affect Padilla, Moussaoui cases, and 9-11 Commission report

[gratuitous]

2. This is incredibly aggravating

I'm glad to see that Padilla's attorneys beat the feds to the courthouse in filing their notice of appeal. Confessions obtained through torture that drives the accused insane are not supposed to be part of the American judicial system. Another little legacy for which we can thank the Bush administration and its enablers.

[Solly Mack]

3. K&R