The Associated Press reports that KSM and the other four "defendants" will plead not guilty to murdering some 3,000 people on US soil. The new trial of the century is certain to be an effective vehicle for the distribution of propaganda for terrorist causes. Al Qaeda couldn't have hoped for a better outcome than a civil trial and the resulting forum and publicity for their cause.
Scott Fenstermaker is the attorney defending the accused. From the bio on his web site it give his background as "A criminal defense attorney and tax litigator in Manhattan, Mr. Fenstermaker has a diverse practice. He handles matters running the gamut from murder, robbery, theft, fraud, sexual misconduct, and federal and state tax-related crimes, among others. Mr. Fenstermaker is a member of the pool of Qualified Civilian Defense Counsel, authorized to represent the detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba before the Military Commissions being conducted at Guantanamo Bay. He has a secret security clearance and is available to represent clients involved in national security-related issues." The associated press quotes Fenstermaker as saying that the defendants will provide their views on America's foreign policy.
President Obama reportedly brushed off criticism about the decision to try KSM and the others as civilians because the outcome was a foregone conclusion or in Eric Holder's words "These cases have to be won. I don't expect that we will have a contrary result". These public comments before the trial sort of emasculate the concept of due process and a fair trial. How likely is it that the perps could walk free on legal technicalities?
It was also reported that the $75 or $100 million first-year cost of the trial will be paid for by federal funds.
Dennis Jones resides in Orange County, California with his wife and two children and has made his living as Chief Financial Officer in the Restaurant Industry for the past 30 years. He received his MBA from Long Beach State University and has a BS degree in Finance from the same institution.
