Judge Rejects Call for Long Sentence in Case of Al Qaeda Agent
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A judge in Illinois sentenced an admitted Al Qaeda agent Thursday to less than two years in prison in addition to the six years he already has spent behind bars — much less than the 15 years requested by prosecutors.
But U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm said he doesn't think former Bradley graduate student Ali al-Marri has renounced the terrorist group and was likely to attack the U.S. if given the chance. But Mihm also said al-Marri deserved credit for the years he'd spent in isolation in the Navy brig.
Prosecutors claimed al-Marri told an Air Force psychiatrist all infidels, including Shiite Muslims, should be killed.
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The Qatar native has admitted training in Al Qaeda camps and having contact with those involved in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Al-Marri pleaded guilty in May to conspiring to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.
The 100-month sentence includes a credit for 71 months already spent behind bars and an additional credit of nine months because of harsh treatment during his incarceration.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.