A Disappointing Conclusion

A few weeks ago Judge Watson accepted a new plea agreement that was entered into by the United States and Ali Aladimi. After all the talk of supporting terrorism and claims by the government that at trial Ali could get more than a twenty year sentence... not to mention the constant assertion by the feds that Mr. Aladimi is a flight risk it turns out that he will serve about one more year, then be transfered to a halfway house for another year and then be on probation until the end of his sentence. The plea agreement calls for a total of 97 months, most of which has already been served in county jails waiting for trial or bail, neither of which ever came.

In the agreement Ali has admitted to certain facts. Considering that a previous agreement was overturned last year and that the government was prepared to offer no evidence other than the testimony of convicted felons to prove their case, and Ali's adament denial of guilt at all times and in all circumstances prior to entering the plea I find it hard to believe that these admissions bear very much resemblance to the truth. We have reached a point where a huge number of convictions in federal and state cases are negotiated settlements not unlike in civil cases. But the truth should not and cannot be negotiated. We have all been cheated. None of us really knows what Ali did or didn't do. Was he really the ring leader of a big meth-amphetamine operation? Did he really send money to overseas terrorist organizations? Was he simply an aggressive businessman who was targeted by the Ashcroft Justice Department in the wake of 9/11 because of his national origin and religion? Was he truly innocent of all charges? I know what I believe but I may never actually know because none of the evidence has come out in a trial.

Nearly every news article about this case contained the word "terrorism" in it's body if not headline. None of the charges Ali pled guilty to have anything to do with terrorism. Furthermore the plea agreement prohibits the U.S. from pursuing any charges for actions prior to the agreement that the investigators had any knowledge of. So there have been no terrorism charges and there never will be. Where is the Dayton Daily News headline: "Beavercreek Man is NOT a Terrorist."? I won't be holding my breath. Here are two examples of the type of lackluster and biased coverage this case has received from the Cincinnati Enquirer and Dayton Daily News respectively.

More details to come.

Ali's motion denied

So Ali will remain in jail until trial. Read the Cincinnati Enquirer's account of the bond hearing here. It's mostly accurate but states that cash was seized from Ali upon his arrest. Actually the cash had been seized over two years earlier at a time when no charges had been filed. Considering the fact that Ali knew for more than two years that he was being investigated and chose to remain in this country and continue his business why is the government so concerned that he will flee the country now? Ali's attorney made excellent arguments for bond. Of great importance is how burdensome it will be for him to prepare for a June trial with his client in a jail 45 minutes away.

Also of interest in the hearing in that the judge allowed prosecutor's to present him with information relevant to the case in a closed-door session without the presence of defense cousel. He then sealed the record of the hearing. This is highly unusual and there are reports that the defense may take action regarding this very soon.

Third time's the Charm

Ali's bond hearing in February was canceled due to weather. It has now been rescheduled for March 14 at 11:00am. He has recently been transferred from the Hamilton County Ohio Justice Center to the Grant County Kentucky jail.

Bond Hearing Feb. 15!

The issue of bond will now be heard at 2:00pm on Thursday at the Potter Stewart Courthouse in downtown Cincinnati. Tell your friends and do your best to be there.

Bond hearing postponed

The bond hearing that had been scheduled for today has been postponed. A new date has not been set as of this writing. I've just spoken with Br. Ali. He was kept in a holding cell today at the courthouse today from 7:00am until almost 2:30 when he was informed the hearing would not take place. Several of us were at the courthouse as well. We received an apology for the lack of notice but it is very frustrating for everyone who is trying to support this brother.

As soon as the hearing is scheduled I'll post the details here so check back often.

Peace be with you.