Fed. Judge Apologizes to Terror Case Defendant for Prosecuorial Misconduct

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBCLP3RM6E.html

Federal Judge Apologizes to Former Detroit Terrorism Case Defendant for Prosecutorial Misconduct

DETROIT (AP) - A federal judge apologized on behalf of the U.S. government Tuesday to a Moroccan immigrant who was tried on terrorism charges in a case marred by prosecutorial misconduct, including the withholding of evidence.

Judge Gerald Rosen's comments came during a hearing at which Ahmed Hannan pleaded guilty to unrelated insurance fraud charges. Rosen sentenced Hannan to six months in jail, with credit for the more than three years he already has served.

"I would be remiss if I did not say that some procedures that are normally followed in criminal cases were not followed in this case," Rosen said of the terrorism case, "and for that you have the apology of the United States government."

Hannan, 36, will be deported to Morocco by the end of the week, defense lawyer James Thomas said. As part of a plea agreement, the Detroit man waived any right to appeal deportation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Straus declined to comment on Rosen's apology.

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[Gman]

1. Kudos to Judge Rosen

Somebody needs to start apologizing for all this. This is a good start.

[indepat]

2. I'm shocked that Ashcroft's DOJ guys failed to follow correct procedures

and doubly shocked of any whiff of prosecutorial misconduct by any of Ashcroft's guys. What were they thinking: that this is not a nation of the rule of law but by the law of thuggery?

[Richard Steele]

3. Wow! Still a few HONEST judges and prosecutors out there!

I had followed this case; and this apology is GREAT news!

What would be nicer: to see the people who FRAMED this guy charged with the crimes they have so obviously committed!

Of course, that never happens.

Recommended for Greatest page.

[MSgt213]

4. Nobody in the administration is embarrassed that a federal judge felt

compelled to have to apologized for the conduct of our own government?

[paineinthearse]

6. I hope this judge has a very good body guard detail. nt

[paineinthearse]

5. Rosen sentenced Hannan to six months in jail, with credit for the more tha

Rosen sentenced Hannan to six months in jail, with credit for the more than three years he already has served.

Make the lead prosecutor and Ashcroft and Gonsalez serve the 2.5 years "overage" time.

[struggle4progress]

7. kick