Former Brooklyn College student Syed "Fahad" Hashmi was supposed to appear in court today on charges that he plotted with Al Qaeda, but instead pleaded guilty to one charge of material support yesterday. The 30-year-old now faces up to 15 years in prison instead of 70. His lawyer said, "The government wanted to lock him up for the rest of his life. They will not succeed in that goal."
The Queens resident was arrested in London 2006 for allegedly keeping ponchos and socks for Al Qaeda soldiers and housing an Al Qaeda operative, and allegedly said he was happy about the deaths of American and British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He admitted last night that he conspired to provide Al Qaeda members with military gear, and prosecutors dropped the three other charges he was facing. Hashmi's supporters had previously insisted he was merely guilty by association, but FreeFahad.com has posted no comment on his plea other than mentioning the trial has been canceled.
U.S. attorney Preet Bharara said, “Having admitted his guilt, he will now face justice for giving aid to terrorists he knew full well were dedicated to harming Americans." His sentencing is set for June 7.
