Prosecutors urge 15-year term for al-Qaida agent, says he believes his faith justifies killing
By APThursday, October 29, 2009
Feds: Al-Qaida agent holds faith justifies killing
PEORIA, Ill. — Federal prosecutors say an al-Qaida sleeper agent should spend 15 years in prison because he is a terrorist who believes his faith justifies killing.
Prosecutors gave their closing arguments Thursday in the sentencing hearing in Illinois for 44-year-old Ali al-Marri (AH’-lee ahl-MAR’-ee). The Qatar native has admitted training in al-Qaida camps and having contact with those involved in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Defense attorneys have yet to make their closing arguments. They are expected to argue that the almost six years al-Marri spent locked up as an uncharged enemy combatant should lead to a lesser sentence.
Al-Marri pleaded guilty in May to conspiring to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.
