Thaindian News

By Madhuri Dey
Chicago, Aug 5, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The federal prosecutors on Tuesday evening charged a Chicago man named Shaker Masri with attempting to aid a terrorist organization and use of mass destruction weapon outside the United States. He was charged by the prosecutors for attempting to provide material help to Al-Qaida and a Somali based second terrorist group affiliated with al-Qaida. The 26-year-old U.S. citizen has been ordered to be held in custody without bail by the federal judge. On a brief hearing that was carried out on Wednesday, the prosecutors said that if found guilty of the charges that have been brought against him, Shaker Masri might have to face a prison sentence of a maximum of 15 years.

Shaker Masri was arrested by the law enforcement agencies on charges of traveling overseas to fight alongside al-Qaida. Federal authorities also alleged that Shaker Masri was possibly even trying to carry out a suicide bombing. He was planning to go to Somalia to allegedly join al-Qaida. In the complaints filed, the authorities have alleged that Shaker Masri made many coded references about his aim to carry out suicide bombing overseas to a girl in London. The FBI has secretly recorded those telephonic conversations.

The FBI authorities maintained that they had asked an informant to befriend Shaker Masri two years ago and eventually Shaker Masri confided his plans to him. The alleged criminal had also asked for monetary help to buy weapons once they reach Somalia. They mentioned that Shaker Masri was scheduled to leave Los Angeles from Midway Airport on Wednesday. However, what made the FBI become suspicious of Shaker Masri two years ago was not clearly stated in the complaints.