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Aussie al-Qaeda suspect pleads not guilty
An Australian terror suspect accused of aiding Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network pleaded not guilty Monday to four charges of aiding a terrorist organization.Joseph Terrence Thomas, 32, a Muslim convert sometimes known as "Jihad Jack," appeared before the Victorian Supreme Court and pleaded not guilty to one count of intentionally receiving financial support from a terrorist organization. The former taxi driver also pleaded not guilty to two counts of providing resources or support to a terrorist organization, and one count of having a false passport. He faces a maximum 25-year prison sentence if convicted. Thomas was arrested by Australian federal police at his Melbourne home in November 2004 and granted bail in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in February last year. Opening statements in his trial are expected to begin Tuesday. Proceedings are expected to last around three weeks. Posted by: Dan Darling 2006-02-13 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=142507 |