Posted on 03/02/2005 6:24:54 PM PST by Pikamax
A man accused of hosting fund-raising meetings for Hizbullah at his home pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge, prosecutors said.
Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that Mahmoud Youssef Kourani hosted meetings in 2002 at which a speaker from Lebanon solicited donations for the group Hizbullah, which the United States has designated as a terrorist organization.
Kourani, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
The government has not identified the speaker. Prosecutors said the money was intended for a program that benefits orphans of fighters killed in Hizbullah operations or by the group's enemies.
Under a plea agreement, Kourani faces no more than five years in prison, The Detroit News reported. He could have faced up to 15 years. Sentencing is scheduled for June 14.
Assistant US Attorney Kenneth Chadwell and Kourani's attorney, William Swor, declined comment.
Kourani has been in custody since May 2003, when federal agents charged him with harboring an illegal immigrant after searching his Dearborn home. He was indicted in November 2003 and pleaded guilty.
Kourani served six months in federal prison and was awaiting deportation in an immigration facility when he was indicted in 2004 on the terror charge.
The ACLU will sue to have the charges overturned.
Not necessary. There is a nice little chain cell for him at camp x-ray.
Serve him a nice meal of spare ribs and pickled pigs feet.
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