June 15, 2006

THE BENCHELLALI FAMILY BUSINESS

French terror plot: 25 convicted

PARIS, France (AP) -- "A court on Wednesday convicted 25 people for their roles in preparing an attack in France in support of Islamic fighters in Chechnya.

The five top defendants received prison terms of 8 to 10 years, while the others received lesser sentences. Two were acquitted. All but one defendant had been accused of helping Islamic fighters in Chechnya in what prosecutors said underscored the "globalization of the jihad movement."
Prosecutors were unable to prove strong suspicions that the attack was to have involved chemicals, even though investigators found equipment, including a protective suit, and chemicals including the highly toxic ricin.

In handing down sentences, the court followed the prosecutor's office by giving the maximum 10-year term to the group's alleged chemicals expert, Menad Benchellali. However, Menad's father, Chellali Benchellali, an imam, or prayer leader, in the Lyon suburb of Venissieux, received only an 18-month suspended prison term -- far lower than the prosecution's demand for six years behind bars..."

        When last heard from (see below) Mourad Benchellali was regaling us with tales of innocence and experience. His "dream vacation" in an al Qaeda training camp had landed him at Gitmo. Curiously enough, this innocent young man is about to go on trial in France for his vacation related activities. We're sure he knew nothing about the activities on behalf of Jihad terror by the rest of his family. Horsefeathers guesses he's like A.J. Soprano, just trying to convince himself the family is in the garbage collection business.
(See Ace of Spades for more)