The Hindu : Pakistani man faces terror charges in U.S.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 08, 2003

International

International

Pakistani man faces terror charges in U.S.

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington Aug. 7. The Federal Government will soon be bringing formal charges against a Pakistani man who was picked up this March as material witness and held in secret detention as a larger part of a probe on Al-Qaeda activities.

The indictment is expected to come soon and Uzair Paracha will be charged with helping operatives of the Al-Qaeda to enter the United States using his family textile business as a cover for the activities.According to The Washington Post, Mr. Paracha's father who owns the textile company and routinely shipped large containers of clothing and "other goods" to Newark was last seen trying to board a plane in Karachi.

It is believed that authorities in Pakistan have picked him up.

But Mr. Paracha's lawyer, while expecting a multi-count indictment, has said that his client denies the allegations. "We believe he was a victim caught up in events way over his head."

It is said that investigative agencies had first learnt about Mr. Paracha from Khalid Sheikh Mohammad who is seen as the mastermind of the 9/11 terror hits in this country. He was picked up by U.S. agents in March. Also it is being reported that an Ohio truck driver, Iyman Faris — who has pleaded guilty to providing material assistance to a terror outfit — has a link with Mr. Paracha, according to unnamed authorities. Mr. Faris is supposed to have met Osama bin Laden and other leaders of the Al-Qaeda and had plotted to bring down the Brooklyn Bridge.

Since the indictment is under seal, prosecutors are not saying much for the record but The Post quoting authorities is saying that the possible charges include providing material support to terrorists, helping to obtain weapons of mass destruction and conspiracy.

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