Militant Islam Monitor > Articles > Osama Bin Laden's Son In Law Sulaiman Abu Ghaith Convicted On Conspiracy To Kill Americans And Aiding Al Qaeda
Osama Bin Laden's Son In Law Sulaiman Abu Ghaith Convicted On Conspiracy To Kill Americans And Aiding Al Qaeda
March 26, 2014
Osama Bin Laden's son-in-law Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, who was an al-Qaeda spokesman after 9/11, has been convicted of terrorism-related charges at a trial in New York.
He could face life in prison when he is sentenced in September for conspiracy to kill Americans and aiding al-Qaeda.
The Kuwaiti clergyman was captured in Jordan last year and brought to the US.
He is the highest-ranking al-Qaeda figure to face trial on US soil since the attacks.
The jury returned a guilty verdict on three charges: conspiracy to kill Americans, conspiring to provide support to al-Qaeda, and providing support to al-Qaeda. The verdict came after about five hours of deliberation.
Videos showing Abu Ghaith threatening America with no end to the "storm of airplanes" were shown to jurors, but he argued his role was a purely religious one, aimed at encouraging all Muslims to rise up against their oppressors.
He testified that Bin Laden had asked him to be al-Qaeda's spokesman on the night of the 9/11 attacks...
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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26755985
Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Statements by Attorney General Holder and Acting Assistant Attorney General Carlin on Conviction of Sulaiman Abu Ghayth
WASHINGTON— On Wednesday, a federal jury in Manhattan found Sulaiman Abu Ghayth, the son-in-law of Usama bin Laden and a senior member of al Qaeda, guilty on three counts, including conspiracy to kill Americans.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder released the following statement: "This verdict is a major milestone in the government's unrelenting efforts to pursue justice against those involved with the September 11 attacks. I can imagine no more fitting outcome, and no stronger message to those who would harm our nation and its people: that no amount of distance or time can weaken America's resolve to pursue, capture, and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
"I want to especially note that this verdict has proven that proceedings such as these can safely occur in the city I am proud to call home, as in other locations across our great nation. It was appropriate that this defendant, who publicly rejoiced over the attacks on the World Trade Center, faced trial in the shadow of where those buildings once stood.
"We never doubted the ability of our Article III court system to administer justice swiftly in this case, as it has in hundreds of other cases involving terrorism defendants. It would be a good thing for the country if this case has the result of putting that political debate to rest. This outcome vindicates the government's approach to securing convictions against not only this particular defendant, but also other senior leaders of al Qaeda.
"I want to personally congratulate U.S. Attorney Bharara, his team in the Southern District of New York, and those who assisted in our National Security Division, for successfully prosecuting this case with the utmost integrity and professionalism. I also wish to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, and Mayor de Blasio and the city of New York. This was truly a team effort."
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin released the following statement: "This case highlights our resolve to find and bring to justice those who plot to attack our citizens and our interests around the world. As the face and voice of al Qaeda in the days and weeks after the 9/11 attacks, Abu Ghayth conspired with Usama Bin Laden and al Qaeda and announced to the world al Qaeda's deadly intentions to continue to attack America. Today, he stands convicted and he will face justice for his role in al Qaeda's lethal plot to kill Americans. I want to thank all of the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this result."
14-313 Attorney General http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2014/March/14-ag-313.html
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