A Maryland man was charged with conspiracy to help a terrorist organization, part of an investigation of the "Virginia jihad network" that has so far resulted in 10 convictions, U.S. law enforcement officials said Friday. Ali Asad Chandia of College Park, Md., was a personal assistant to Ali al-Timimi, whom authorities called the spiritual leader of the Virginia jihad network, according to a four-count indictment unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va. The indictment charges Chandia, a Pakistani, with conspiring to provide material support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba organization, which the United States designated a terrorist organization in 2001. Chandia visited the group's office in Lahore, Pakistan, in November 2001, the indictment said. Chandia was arrested Thursday at his home, assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher said.Also charged is Mohammed Ajmal Khan of Coventry, England, who prosecutors say is a senior official in Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamic rebel group fighting for independence in the India-controlled portion of Kashmir. Khan already is in custody in England on terrorism charges. Al-Timimi was sentenced to life in prison in July after being convicted of soliciting treason and other charges. Prosecutors say al-Timimi wielded enormous influence among a group of young Muslim men in northern Virginia who played paintball games in 2000 and 2001 in preparation for holy war around the globe. Nine other members of the group have been convicted for their roles in the conspiracy, with prison terms ranging from three years to life.
| Had to read this article twice. No sneer quotes, no sly digs at the prez, just facts. |