MINNEAPOLIS - A terror suspect who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support and resources to al-Qaida could serve a little less than a year in prison and then be deported to Canada. U.S. District John R. Tunheim sentenced Mohammed Abdullah Warsame on Thursday to seven years and eight months in prison, but gave him credit for the time he has already spent in custody. With credit for good behavior, Warsame could be out of prison in about 10 months.Warsame, 35, has spent over 5 1/2 years in solitary confinement in Minnesota. His attorneys were hoping for a sentence of only the time he has already served. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of 12 1/2 years. U.S. Attorney Frank Magill issued a statement saying the sentence shows that "those who knowingly provide support to terrorists will be held accountable for their actions." In his plea agreement, Warsame admitted to conspiring with others to help al-Qaida beginning in 2000. Authorities claim he attended an al-Qaida training camp run by Osama bin Laden, dined with the terrorist leader, attended another camp and fought with the Taliban.
Warsame's uncle, Abdullah Warsame, said that Warsame's wife left the courtroom in tears after he was sentenced. "I was not expecting this," Abdullah Warsame said. "We expected the time served ... considering his hardship."
He said his nephew went to Afghanistan before the Sept. 11 attacks, at a time when the U.S. was negotiating with the Taliban, not fighting them. He said Warsame has not had physical contact with another person for nearly six years, and when his wife visited she could see him only over a video screen...more..http://www.startribune.com/local/50378627.html
Seven-year sentence for Canadian al-Qaida recruit
TheStar.com World U.S. to deport Canadian guilty of aiding Al ...
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