Washington D.C. – Today, the Department of Justice announced that it will try alleged Al-Qaeda operative, Ibrahim Suleiman Adnan Adam Harun, also known as “Spin Ghul,” with conspiracy to murder American military personnel in Afghanistan, and other related charges, in New York’s Eastern District Federal Court.

In response to today’s announcement, Smith said, “I am pleased to see that the Administration continues to use one our most effective tools to bring terrorists to justice – the federal court system. While some claim we should shy away from using a court system that has been a model for the world for more than 200 years, I believe – and the Administration has demonstrated that it believes  - that we should embrace it.  We should not fear our Constitution – terrorists should.

“The Obama Administration has effectively utilized the federal court system as a powerful tool in trying and prosecuting suspected terrorist. For example, last year, Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab, also known as the “Underwear Bomber” received a life sentence in a federal courtroom. The Blind Sheikh, Afia Siddiqui, and many others have received similar sentences. In fact, Federal courts have a long proven track record of success: Over 400 defendants charged with crimes related to international terrorism have been successfully convicted in the United States since 9/11.”

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