“Close to a year after his arrest, a university computer science student from Saudi Arabia studying in Idaho was charged on Friday with supporting terrorism.” This from Reuters, with thanks to LGF.
“Sami Omar Al-Hussayen, a Saudi citizen who has been in custody since his arrest on Feb. 26, will be arraigned on Monday in U.S. District Court in Boise. If convicted, he could receive 15 years in federal prison.
“A grand jury, a group of citizens which hears arguments from prosecutors, issued the charge. The indictment said Al-Hussayen, 34, set up Web sites for Islamic organizations that espoused violence against the United States and that he tried to raise funds and recruit new members for a violent holy war, or jihad, in Israel, Chechnya, and elsewhere.
“The indictment contends Al-Hussayen maintained bank accounts which he used to funnel at least $300,000 to the Islamic Assembly of North America. The government claims the group has raised and sent money to support terrorist-related activities starting in February 2000.
“In previous hearings, defense attorneys said there was no evidence Al-Hussayen did anything other than give money to legitimate charities and do some basic Web site maintenance for Islamic organizations.
“Friends, supporters, colleagues, and university officials have testified Al-Hussayen is a peaceful person who condemned the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and led a blood drive for victims. They said he has a strong desire to clear his name and finish his studies.
“Al-Hussayen, 34, got his undergraduate degree before coming to the United States. He had been a student at various universities in the United States for more than nine years. Most recently, he has been seeking a PhD in computer security at the University of Idaho.
“Al-Hussayen’s wife and children have agreed to leave the United States by mid-March, after the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement started deportation proceedings against them.”