A SECOND American woman has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged plot to kill a Swedish cartoonist who had lampooned the prophet Mohammed, US authorities confirmed last night.
The US Justice Department said Jamie Paulin Ramirez, (31), was arrested yesterday in Philadelphia after voluntarily flying from a country it did not specify. She had been arrested in Ireland last month, but later released.
A US grand jury indicted Ramirez as a second defendant in the case against another American, Colleen LaRose who is also known as “Jihad Jane.’’ LaRose was accused of plotting to kill Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks and using the Internet to enlist co-conspirators.
Ramirez was charged with one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and if convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. LaRose is facing additional charges and could face life in prison.
US authorities have become increasingly concerned about Americans becoming radicalised by militant groups and being drawn in to participate in potential terrorism plots.
Vilks had drawn the Prophet Mohammad with the body of a dog. That drew offence by many Muslims and an Iraqi group linked to al Qaeda in 2007 had offered a $100,000 reward for his murder.
LaRose, (46), was arrested in October and charged in March for the alleged plot and allegedly recruiting people online to wage “violent jihad”, or holy war, in South Asia and Europe.
She had also boasted that appearance – a blonde-haired white woman – would help her blend in and avoid detection by authorities, prosecutors had charged.
LaRose has pleaded not guilty to the charges in federal court in Philadelphia. – (Reuters)