Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Grandmother attorney - terrorist or victim of terrorism?

In a decision that shocked many of the legal profession radical attorney Lynne Stewert was convicted of aiding terrorism. Her crime - passing on statements by the imprisioned person she was defending to the news media. USA Today has more -
Vowing to appeal, Stewart blamed the verdict on inflammatory evidence that included videotape of Osama bin Laden urging support for the jailed Abdel-Rahman, who prosecutors said communicated with the outside world with Stewart's help.

"When you put Osama bin Laden in a courtroom and ask the jury to ignore it, you're asking a lot," she said.
FindLaw has a good legal synopsis of this case. Slate also has more. The government attorneys had no evidence linking the messages to terrorists but persuaded the jury it might have happened. The main argument was we have to stop the terrorists and prevent another 9/11.

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