There are two news stories out today about terror suspects being tried in U.S. courts.  The first story is about three of the plotters who planned to carry out an attack on service men and women at Fort Dix, New Jersey.  The three individuals, all illegal immigrants, were sentenced to life without parole. 

The second story is about Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri (a legal resident in the U.S.), also known as the last enemy combatant.  After six years of denying his quilt, he entered his plea of guilt on one charge of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.  This charge comes with up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  He will sentenced in July.

These two stories serve as a victory the proponents that terrorists can be tried successfully in U.S. courts of law.  While none of the four individuals involved were captured on the battlefield (all were arrested in the United States), their cases will be used as a model for enemy combatants currently held in Gitmo if their case is brought into U.S. courts.

Related articles:
Associated Press – “Former ‘enemy combatant’ pleas guilty in Illinois”
ABC News – “Alleged Al Qaeda Sleeper Agent in U.S. Pleads Guilty”
The New York Times – “3 Brothers Sentenced to Life for Holy War Plot at Ft. Dix”
UPI – “Final two Fort Dix plotters sentenced”

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