Americans tried in Pakistan seek release on bail

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters

SARGODHA, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistani lawyers for five young Americans accused of contacting militants over the Internet and plotting terrorist attacks sought their release on bail on Tuesday, saying the prosecution lacked evidence.

The students, in their 20s and from the U.S. state of Virginia, were detained in December in the central Pakistani town of Sargodha, 190 km (120 miles) southeast of the capital.

They have not been formally charged, but could face lengthy prison terms if found guilty.

The case of the Americans has underscored global security dangers posed by the Internet as militants use cyberspace to evade tighter international security measures and plot holy war.


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61F1IQ20100216

[maddezmom]

1. Pakistani court rejects Americans' bail request

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A Pakistani court dismissed on Wednesday a request for the release on bail of five Americans accused of contacting militants over the Internet and plotting terrorist attacks.

The students, in their 20s and from the U.S. state of Virginia, were detained in December in the central Pakistani town of Sargodha, 190 km (120 miles) southeast of the capital.

They have not been formally charged but could face lengthy prison terms if found guilty.

The case of the Americans, who were arrested days after arriving in Pakistan, has raised alarm over the danger posed by militants using the Internet to evade tighter international security measures and plan attacks.

A defense lawyer for the five men, Hassan Katchela, told Reuters by telephone that an anti-terrorist judge in Sargodha turned down the plea for their release on bail

more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61F1IQ20100217