Samir Khan, who was the editor of "Inspire," al Qaeda's English-language magazine, was killed alongside US-born Islamic cleric Anwar al Awlaqi six days ago in a suspected US drone strike.
But his family, who live in Charlotte, North Carolina, condemned the military operation and defended Khan in a statement released to a local newspaper and broadcasters after days of intense media scrutiny.
"It has been stated in the media that Samir was not the target of the attack; however no US official has contacted us with any news about the recovery of our son's remains, nor offered us any condolences," they said.
"As a result, we feel appalled by the indifference shown to us by our government," added the statement.
The killing of Awlaqi and Khan, 25, has weakened al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, FBI Director Robert Mueller said on Thursday, but questions have been raised over the legality of the lethal air strike.
The Khan family said questions should be officially answered on why the terror targets could not have been captured and put on trial.
"Being a law abiding citizen of the United States our late son Samir Khan never broke any law and was never implicated of any crime," they said.
"The Fifth Amendment states that no citizen shall be 'deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law' yet our government assassinated two of its citizens.
"Where is the justice? As we mourn our son, we must ask these questions."
The White House declined to confirm reports whether its forces or CIA drones were involved in the raid on Awlaqi's convoy, but civil rights groups warned of a legal quagmire over the possible killing of Americans by the US government.
A US official, however, said last week that in general terms it was lawful for the United States to target high-level leaders of "enemy forces" regardless of their nationality, under domestic and international law that recognized the right of self-defense.
COMMENTS (6)
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@John B: Use Logic.. because with such Logic You yourself can be on the hit list and I am sure your Little terrorist RSS Hindu Brain is not going to like it.. Then your Parents can be asked to accept this logic which they perhaps would like to to dis-own RSS Terrorist like you. Choice is yours RSS Terrorist.
G.Din.: Hahahaha.. What a name.. Names tell all that a Hindu RSS terrorist Hides behind it. Well, I think it's time that we say you good-bye from here as well .Tell your Parents to inform us when you arrive home. Will ya?
American law or Not... Everyone has to have a fair trial. No one becomes terrorist until proven guilty before the law. Accepting the logic otherwise will give the Govt. of any nation Criminal Nazi Powers to destroy the entire world.
As is appropriate for an American Citizen, Samir Khan was really trying to persuade Awlaki to engage in peaceful activities and return to the United States and hand himself to the authorities.
You lay down with dogs -- you get fleas -- few in America are going to have any sympathy for the Khan family.
@kamran: "its time that the family ... come back to their native country Pakistan. Why live in a country like the US?" Do let us know when they return, will you?
If the son is law abiding and a real gem he should be working in the refugee camps in Afghanistan, Pakistan, or in US. What is he doing in Yemen with Alwalqi.
Whether the fifth amendment to the constitution applies to the People who wage war against the constitution is a legal and ethical issue, and the argument is as good as whether the capital punishment is good or bad.
If Asia Bibi can be accused of blasphemy and thrown in jail, and Saseer and Bhatti can be killed for it, then Yemen strike is a national security interest is within the constitution.
its time that the family understands the true face of the US law and come back to their native country Pakistan. Why live in a country like the US?