During the trial of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, lawyer Lynne Stewart introduced unchallenged evidence that the FBI knew about the first World Trade Center bombing plans through an informant named Salem to whom the agency of the US government paid more than a million dollars of Taxpayers money. But it appears the FBI chose not to act on its information, and appeared to have encouraged the act.
Civil and human rights attorney Lynne Stewart will speak at an event the Middle East Childrens Alliance will be holding to raise money for her appeal. In February, Lynne was wrongly convicted of conspiring to aid terrorists and lying to the government. She faces up to 35 years in prison.
If you cant attend the event, but would like to make a contribution to Lynnes appeal, please send a check, payable to MECA with “Stewart” in the memo line, to: Middle East Childrens Alliance, 901 Parker Street, Berkeley, CA 94710. Additional information and opportunities to get involved can be found at: www.lynnestewart.org
Lynne Stewart was convicted of smuggling out messages from her jailed client, Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, who is serving a life sentence on terror-related charges. Lynnes co-defendants Ahmed Sattar, a postal worker and paralegal, and Mohammed Yousry, an Arabic translator, were also convicted of all charges against them.
The verdict was a major victory for the Bush Justice Department. It was the first time that the federal government has prosecuted a defense attorney in a terrorism case. Defense lawyers around the country fear the governments aim is to discourage them from representing unpopular clients.
The jury deliberated for 13 days before delivering the guilty verdict. Judge, John Koeltl, set her sentencing for July 15. Because she was convicted of a felony, she will be immediately disbarred. She remains free on bail, but cannot travel outside New York State.
After a verdict was read out, Lynne Stewart emerged from the courthouse with her husband and spoke to reporters gathered outside. She said, “Im still very shook up and surprised and disappointed that the jury didnt see what we saw. But I think, as one my counsel put it, when you put Osama bin Laden in a courtroom and ask the jury to ignore it, thats asking a lot. We are not giving up, obviously. We are going to fight on. This is the beginning of a longer struggle. I think everyone who has a sense that the United States needs to protect the Constitution at this time understands that struggle. And this case could be, I hope it will be, a wakeup call to all of the citizens of this country and all of the people who live here that you cant lock up the lawyers. You cant tell the lawyers how to do their job. Youve got to let them operate. And I will fight on. Im not giving up. I know I committed no crime. I know what I did was right. Thank you.”
Middle East Childrens Alliance | 901 Parker Street | Berkeley | CA | 94710
Reading back: Day 911- America Pays the Price
