Thursday, June 14, 2007

Fort Dix 6: Taped 100's of times.

From al-Reuters

Six Muslim men accused of plotting to kill soldiers at a New Jersey army base had hundreds of conversations recorded by federal agents that will be used against them at trial, a prosecutor said on Thursday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick told U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler he would soon be able to provide transcripts of relevant conversations to defense attorneys.

"How many are there? Hundreds?" Kugler asked during a status hearing.

"More," Fitzpatrick replied.

They plead not guilty and act like the court is their oyster... judge not amused.

Some defendants smiled and gestured toward relatives as they were led into the courtroom handcuffed and shackled at the ankles. Kugler warned that any attempt to communicate by verbal or nonverbal means would not be tolerated during the trial. "That will be the last time that happens in this courtroom," Kugler said. "This isn't the place for visitation." Anyone violating the rule would be permanently removed from the court, the judge said.

The judge went on to say that he hoped to start hearing oral arguments by October of this year. Stay tuned.