By Jim Kouri
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Syed Hashmi, a/k/a "Fahad," arrived in New York late Monday evening after being extradited from the United Kingdom on federal charges of providing material support to Al- Qaeda. This is the first time that the United Kingdom has extradited an individual to the United States on terrorism charges.
According to the Indictment filed in Manhattan federal court:
From January 2004 through May 2006, Hashmi, 27, a United States citizen, provided material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, namely Al-Qaeda. In connection with these charges, he assisted Al-Qaeda by providing military gear to others who then transported the gear to Al-Qaeda associates in South Waziristan, Pakistan. Hashmi also agreed with others to provide military gear to Al Qaeda to be used by the terrorists to fight against United States forces in Afghanistan.
Hashmi is charged with one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, namely al Qaeda; one count of providing material support or resources to al Qaeda; and one count of conspiracy to make a contribution of funds, good or services to, and for the benefit of, al Qaeda.
The charges of providing material support or resources to al Qaeda each carry a maximum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment. The charge of conspiring to make a contribution of funds, goods or services to al Qaeda, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment. The total maximum sentence for the charges against him is 50 years' imprisonment.
Hashmi was presented in United States Magistrate's Court on Tuesday and later arraigned before United States District Judge Loretta Preska in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday, May 30, 2007.
US Attorney Michael Garcia praised the investigative efforts of the Joint Terrorism Task Force ("JTTF"), especially those JTTF members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New York City Police Department.
Mr. Garcia thanked the Office of International Affairs of the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice and the United States Marshal's Service for its work in effectuating the extradition. He also expressed his gratitude to the British authorities and law enforcement community, including New Scotland Yard and the Crown Prosecution Service, for their cooperation in the investigation.
Garcia stated in a press release, "This is the first extradition on terrorism charges from the United Kingdom and it has yielded a defendant who provided material support to al Qaeda. Syed Hashmi, an American citizen, is charged with providing military gear to al Qaeda to use against United States forces in Afghanistan."
FBI Assistant Director Mark Mershon added, "If we are engaged in a war against terror -- and we most certainly are -- then Syed Hashmi aided the enemy by supplying military gear to al Qaeda. The JTTF is committed to eradicating terrorism anywhere in the world, from the streets of New York to the hills of Afghanistan. In a global community, terrorism anywhere is a threat to people everywhere."
New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said, "This arrest reinforces the the fact that a terrorist may have roots in Queens and still betray us. Congratulations to the New York City detectives and FBI agents who understood this and kept Hashmi on our radar."
Pursuant to Title 17 U.S.C. 107, other copyrighted work is provided for educational purposes, research, critical comment, or debate without profit or payment. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for your own purposes beyond the 'fair use' exception, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Views are those of authors and not necessarily those of Canada Free Press. Content is Copyright 1997-2024 the individual authors. Site Copyright 1997-2024 Canada Free Press.Com Privacy Statement