US: John Walker Lindh, an American captured by US forces in Afghanistan, pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of aiding the Taliban and carrying explosives, in a surprise plea deal that spared him a possible life sentence.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Lindh agreed to a maximum sentence of 20 years - 10 years for each charge. All terrorism charges against him were dropped.
"I provided my services as a soldier to the Taliban last year from about August to December," the 21-year-old said at the US District Court in Alexandria, Virginia. "In the course of doing so I carried a rifle and two grenades. I did so knowingly and willingly knowing that it was illegal." District Judge T.S. Ellis set October 4th as the sentencing date. He has the final say in how long Lindh will serve in prison.
Lindh, dressed in a green prison outfit answered "yes" or "yes sir" as the judge summarised the plea agreement and asked questions to ensure Lindh knew he was giving up his right to a trial.
The two charges Lindh pleaded guilty to included one from the original 10-count indictment - supplying services to the Taliban - and a new charge of carrying explosives while committing a felony.
Lindh's parents and a brother and sister were in court. After Lindh pleaded guilty and was taken away they gathered together for a group hug.
"He's a really good kid. I am really gratified that the government... has decided to drop all of the terrorism charges against my son," Mr Frank Lindh told reporters outside the court.
The deal, reached late on Sunday, was announced in a hearing, convened to decide whether any statements made by Lindh while in US custody in Afghanistan should be thrown out. As the hearing began, Lindh's lead defence attorney, Mr James Brosnahan, stood and announced a deal had been reached.
White House officials said President Bush was briefed last Wednesday on the Justice Department's decision to negotiate a plea bargain, and he supported the move.
US Attorney Mr Paul McNulty said the deal had a provision allowing the government to seize Lindh and hold him as an "enemy combatant" if he engages in any "terrorist" behaviour after he is released from prison.
"(This sends) a very strong message to anyone who would be at all tempted to turn their back on the United States and align themselves with the enemies of this country," Mr McNulty said after the hearing ended.
"What we've done is sought the strongest sentence possible, given the charges against the defendant," he said.
"The conduct was quite serious and we had to make sure that the sentence was serious and we're very confident that it is," Mr McNulty said.
The Attorney General, Mr John Ashcroft, hailed the plea deal as an "important victory in America's war on terrorism". - (Reuters)