Al Qaeda suspect denied bail
From Phil Hirschkorn
CNN
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Uzair Paracha
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SPECIAL REPORT
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NEW YORK (CNN) -- A federal judge denied bail Tuesday for a 23-year-old Pakistani national who has been charged with terrorism conspiracy.
Uzair Paracha was charged Friday with allegedly arranging for an al Qaeda operative to illegally enter the United States.
Although defense attorney Anthony Ricco offered to put up $2.5 million in security, and to have Paracha detained at home with monitored phone lines, Magistrate Judge Anthony Peck denied bail.
Paracha, a legal permanent resident in the United States, has been in jail for four months. He was detained in late March as a material witness in the ongoing investigation into al Qaeda and the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.
The charge against him, one count of conspiracy to provide material support and resources to al Qaeda, carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison upon conviction.
Ricco said Paracha has not yet entered a plea, but intends to plead not guilty.
Under federal law, his client is not obligated to enter a plea until an indictment is filed. After filing a charge, prosecutors have 30 days to file an indictment.
The criminal complaint filed by U.S. Attorney James Comey alleges that Paracha agreed to help the terrorist group operative obtain documents that would have allowed him to re-enter and possibly remain in the United States.
