FBI claims that Sheikh wanted to go to Syria to fight for rebel group. PHOTO: FILE
Basit Javed Sheikh, 29, allegedly contacted an undercover FBI agent, believing him to be a member of Jabhat al-Nusrah, which the State Department identifies as a Syrian al Qaeda affiliate.
According to the US attorney's office in North Carolina, where Sheikh was charged last week, he allegedly expressed his wish to go to Syria "to help the mujahideen...in any way I can."
Asked how he planned to help, Sheikh responded "logistics, media, fight too, God willing," the statement claimed.
According to a 25-page affidavit from FBI agent Jason Maslow, Sheikh allegedly told him in an online voice call that he was ready to "be a martyr" for the struggle.
The agent also described how, starting in April 2013, the Pakistani reportedly posted several times on Facebook in support of Jabhat al-Nusrah, one of Syria's most prominent armed militant groups.
Sheikh was arrested on November 2 at the Raleigh-Durham airport in North Carolina just before boarding a plane.
The destination on his one-way ticket was Beirut, Lebanon, and he allegedly planned to cross the border into Syria, believing that the undercover FBI agent would be able to help.
If he is found guilty, he faces a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and three years supervised release.
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@Mirza: Dear Mirza, By and large you are correct. The US still possesses a partial Constitution which allows free speech, and is perhaps the only country in the world which does? However, there are many ways around it. One can be sued for defamation or libel. Alternatively, it appears that US citizens can be charged with almost anything under the Terrorist Act, or new Statutes, which seem to constantly and conveniently pop-up. If that does not work, and the persons they want to get are not US citizens they can usually get them deported to another country which does not have freedom of speech, such as Canada, one of the other five eyes, or Europe. One way or another US authorities can usually fudge the situation to get you. As you say, one has to be careful and not make a fuss. Fortunately, Basit Taved Sheikh was stopped in time.
@Singh, G.Din, numbersnumbers: The freedom struggle in Syria is no business of Hindus. We don't need your commentary here considering India has always backed Israel in its invasions of our Syrian brothers. This is an internal matter among Muslim nations, and also it is no business of the US either. Foreigners need to stop interfering in our personal affairs.
@Adil: And of course you can tell us where we can ALL READ that "the Arab world people say that USAF is Al-Qaeda's Airforce"!!! NOT!!
Here are 3 articles about news of US citizens (2 White, 1 Asian) who went to fight along with rebels in Libya. They did not get this treatment. Also I wonder if US would have done same with a fighter who wanted to fight US funded Mujahidden back in 80s, or if this guy was going to fight along a US APPROVED rebel group. . What is the criteria, who is a good rebel vs a Bad rebel.
http://news.yahoo.com/american-joined-libyan-fighters-returns-us-132718187.html
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/09/08/libya.us.trainer/
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0901/American-college-kid-joins-Libya-rebels-for-vacation
OMG, First daughter of Pakistan is in prison for 80+ year in prison of US. Now Son of Pakistan is in US custody. Good news for JI, Mullana Diesel & H.S to rant on. Hello, You all keep up the good Name of your country.
Mr G. Din lives in fools paradise. US and Saudis have been funding Al-Qaeda mercenaries to fight Assad. Infact, in the arab world people say that USAF is Al-Qaeda's airforce.
@TypicalPakistani: "Wasn’t us funding Jabhat al-Nusrah or other militant outfits in syria to fight against Assad regime ? Wasn’t Saudi ( a top ally of US ) seeding militants in syria ?" The answer to both the questions is "NO"! The only reason US is hesitant to arm Syrian nationalist opposition to Assad is that it is not sure how deep Al Qaeda's penetration is in that group. Jabhat al-Nasrah, as an affiliate of Al Qaeda, has been banned by US. Saudis have the same sentiments.
Seems like some people are missing the point. It's not against the law in the USA to travel to another country and fight - it is against the law to assist Al Qaeda which is considered an outlaw terrorist organization by every country on the planet - except apparently Pakistan.
Embarrassing to see so many negative comments for intending a good cause. From when US became the judge to check who is Mujahid and who is terrorist. Muslims open your eyes.
This is all happening because MULLA'S have become our Role models now. What a shame!
Hilarious...........because he wanted to fight on the side Obama was of supporting until Putin stepped in and stopped him from openly doing so.
So much Pakistan bashing. The poor guy was doing what Obama and his allies are advocating for last 3 years. Middle Eastern countries, where mllions of Indians live happily, praising the Arabs all the time.
it is the result of different priorities. 1. priority of after life on present life............2. priority of religion over the nation you are living in.
So basically he was doing what Obama has been advocating for the past year?
If or when when he comes back to Pakistan, he'll be given top-most position in Jamat-e-Islami.
Is this all we Pakistanis can do? Can we only support terrorism? Can we not do anything else?
What business is it to the US to interfere in a freedom struggle in Syria? Shame on them, they will pay for their meddling on Muslim countries in the afterlife. The fine and jail time is ridiculous, especially considering US citizens serve in the Israeli Military and they don't suffer any such things. Double standards only for Muslims.
There is no reason to be surprised. With the ideology propagated by the religion and its adherents it is quite natural.
Relax people, after 2014 there will be a total ban on pakistani foreign travel because of polio. WHO has imposed a time limit for eradication of polio on pakistan. So chillax. Rab rakha
@Azi: HE is living in US. DOes it say anywhere that he has US citizenship?
On the bright side - when they cancel his visa it opens up another spot for hopefully someone with a better moral compass.
Hardly surprising news. This is what happens when you support and bankroll jihad abroad. It always comes back to bite you in the behind. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the Europeans may face this sooner or later as well. There is really no happy medium in the Syria situation.
"If he is found guilty, he faces a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and three years supervised release"... and one way ticket to Pakistan
Why did he have to do that when there are/were several western specialist on ground already & doing a good job.
Pakistanis are Pakistanis wherever we live. A serious threat to any country we immigrate to. Foolish of the west to allow immigration from Pakistan.
What is wrong ? Wasn't us funding Jabhat al-Nusrah or other militant outfits in syria to fight against Assad regime ? Wasn't Saudi ( a top ally of US ) seeding militants in syria ?
It could only happen in America. After being given their Israeli instructions the US supplies the Syrian terrorists with billions of dollars worth of ordnance, but when a low functioning, brainwashed Pakistani, who has been led to believe it is a glorious cause, tries to get into the act he is arrested.
And I ask God why....why do such morons have US citizenship.
what's new here??? who are the pakistanis , that all world know better. so pakistanis go to the mirror and check your face before go to other country.
how fake things can become. They are openly accepting that yes we are supporting everyone against Bashar al Assad & now we get this news.
"The CIA has begun delivering weapons to rebels in Syria, ending months of delay in lethal aid that had been promised by the Obama administration,"
http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-09-11/world/419727421lethal-aid-syrian-rebels-chemical-weapons
http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-10-02/world/426161481u-s-intelligence-analysts-training-program-rebel
The CIA is expanding a clandestine effort to train opposition fighters in Syria amid concern that moderate, U.S.-backed militias are rapidly losing ground in the country’s civil war, U.S. officials said.
Citing unnamed current and former US officials, the newspaper said the new CIA effort reflected a change in the administration's approach that aims to strengthen secular rebel fighters.
The CIA has sent officers to Turkey to help vet rebels who receive arms shipments from Gulf allies, the report said.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/23/cia-provides-intelligence-syrian-rebelsn2940351.html
At least now Humans with common sense cannot blame Islam or sectarianism for all this. I wonder how will anti conspiracy theorists will feel?
I don't understand as why some Pakistanis living in US are involved in unethical activities which gives a bad name for the country.
Instead of obeying the law of the land, they are creating problem for other fellow citizens of Pakistani origin working in several embassies and consulate in Pakistan.
Whats wrong with us? I can't believe how an educated, sane person could fall for such things? Why don't we understand that there are rules and regulations for jihad. Its not that any group can get up and announce jihad. It is the prerogative of ruling Gov. only. Stop looking for cheap ways to heaven and wage jihad against your "nafs".
Put the guy in jail for as long as the laws dictate then deport him to our Pakistan where he would be welcomed as a hero. Glad this would be terrorist is caught prior to committing any atrocities.