NEW YORK – Federal charges have been added to the terrorism indictment in New York facing Osama bin Laden's ex-spokesman.
A grand jury returned the updated indictment Friday against Sulaiman Abu Ghaith (SOO'-lay-mahn AH'-boo GAYTH).
He's scheduled for trial early next year on charges of conspiring to kill Americans in his role as al-Qaida's spokesman after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He has pleaded not guilty.
New charges of conspiracy to provide material support and resources to terrorists, and providing such support, were added to the indictment. He already was facing a possible life prison term if convicted.
Prosecutors added language to charges saying that in a speech, he praised a 2002 suicide bombing in Tunisia.
His lawyers say new charges filed so close to trial must be scrutinized.
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