In this courtroom drawing, David Coleman Headley faces US District Court Judge Harry Leinenweber on March 18, 2010 in Chicago. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The man with one blue eye and one green eye, David Headley, a confessed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative, was sentenced to 35 years in jail on Thursday by a Chicago judge.
He had been accused of conspiring and plotting the Mumbai attacks in November 2008, the plot to attack the offices of a Danish newspaper and providing material support to LeT, a terrorist organisation.
Judge Harry D Leinenweber of the US District Court sentenced Headley to 35 years after the prosecution asked for the sentencing as opposed to life imprisonment as Headley had confessed and turned witness for the prosecution. According to a statement issued by the prosecution, Headley pleaded guilty to all 12 counts against him in March 2010 and had been cooperating with authorities after his arrest.
Judge Leinenweber, when announcing the sentence, called Headley a terrorist. Headley, born Daood Gilani, is a US citizen of part-Pakistan descent. His sentencing comprises 35 years in jail, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the prosecution, Headley had been convicted of “conspiracy to bomb public places in India; conspiracy to murder and maim persons in India; six counts of aiding and abetting the murder of US citizens in India; conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in India; conspiracy to murder and maim persons in Denmark; conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in Denmark; and conspiracy to provide material support to Lashkar.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2013.
COMMENTS (14)
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@Girish: But unfortunately India doesn't have any solid and authentic evidences against Hafiz Saeed Ahmed but only the informations about Hafiz Saeed Ahmed.....
India will be able to negotiate 26/11 with Pakistan properly after next elections when probably Hon’ble Hafeez Syeed Sahib may be the PM of Pakistan ......?
@Enlightened: "With Rana and Headley already convicted for 26/11 only Hafeez Sayeed the master-mind is left" There are three more in addition to Hafiz Sayyed! @ahmed41: "Did he express any *REGRETS * ? " Yes! He not only expressed regrets but said he was a "changed" man to avoid a stiff sentence but no dice. The judge told him bluntly that he would have much rather sentenced him to death but his hands were tied because of the promises to him during plea bargaining (He ratted against his childhood friend, Rana). His plea bargaining also promises that he will not be extradited to India or denmark, a fact that India has taken exception to.
I want to hear Zaid Hamid's response for this who blames Hindu Zionists,Crop circles,ancient aliens,Mayan calendar on 26/11
An inquiry must be held under the supervision of United Nations and International Court of Justice. US has already been taking biased decision because of its own vested interests.
@Singh: Singh Ji, you sure saved us all a lot of time. thanks!
waitng for Haffis Sayeed death orders from Pakistani court
Rehman Malick still need some more proof. As it is conspiracy of India, USA & Jews to malign Pakistan. I am writing this comment so every body save their time to say this.
@Clear Black Bag:
There is one more. Hafiz Saeed.
News reporting does not mention * WHAT HEADLEY'S present age is.
Suppose he is 40 years. so 40+35=75 years ( followed by 5 years on supervised release) is all this RI or solitary ????
Did he express any *REGRETS * ?
Why my Pakistani friends have gone into hiding and not commenting on this most important news concerning Pakistan as Headley had named both LeT and ISI for planning the Mumbai attack ?
The most happiest news for India.Congratulations Indians at least USA fulfilled your desire....
With Rana and Headley already convicted for 26/11 only Hafeez Sayeed the master-mind is left, who should receive a bigger punishment for killing of 166 innocent people. Hope Pakistan has got the right message to hasten the court proceedings and not leave it to US and India to do the needful.