Sami Al-Arian could be back in a federal courtroom within weeks to face criminal contempt charges after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up his appeal that claimed federal prosecutors have violated a 2006 plea agreement.
The court announced without comment Monday that it would not hear the case. It is listed among dozens which the court chose not to consider.
Al-Arian was to stand trial in August on two contempt charges stemming from his refusal to testify before a northern Virginia federal grand jury investigating terror financing. Al-Arian insists that he doesn't have to testify because his 2006 guilty plea did not include a provision for him to cooperate with law enforcement.
That argument has been rejected by appellate courts in the 4th and 11th circuits. Monday's Supreme Court action was the second time it refused to hear an appeal related to the case.
When attorneys filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema decided to delay the contempt trial until the appeal is resolved. A new trial date should be set soon. Read more ...
The court announced without comment Monday that it would not hear the case. It is listed among dozens which the court chose not to consider.
Al-Arian was to stand trial in August on two contempt charges stemming from his refusal to testify before a northern Virginia federal grand jury investigating terror financing. Al-Arian insists that he doesn't have to testify because his 2006 guilty plea did not include a provision for him to cooperate with law enforcement.
That argument has been rejected by appellate courts in the 4th and 11th circuits. Monday's Supreme Court action was the second time it refused to hear an appeal related to the case.
When attorneys filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema decided to delay the contempt trial until the appeal is resolved. A new trial date should be set soon. Read more ...
Source: IPT News
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