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Lindh Apologizes to U.S., Gets 20-Year Sentence
Friday, October 4, 2002
The Associated Press

At his sentencing in suburban Alexandria, Va., Lindh told the judge that "Bin Laden's terrorist attacks are completely against Islam, completely contrary to the conventions of jihad and without any justification whatsoever. His grievances, whatever they may be, cannot be addressed by acts of injustice and violence against innocent people in America."



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CIA agent Johnny "Mike" Spann's father, Johnny, told the judge Friday that Lindh was partly responsible for his son's death. "My grandchildren would love to know their dad would be back in 20 years," he said. "The punishment doesn't fit the crime to me."



ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- AP
John Walker Lindh, whose discovery as a U.S.-born Taliban fighter startled the nation, received a 20-year sentence Friday after condemning Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network during a sobbing, halting plea for forgiveness.

U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III accepted the plea-agreement Lindh's lawyers had negotiated with the government. During a drama-packed two-and-a-half hour proceeding, he told the young Californian, "You were willing to give your life for the Taliban but not for your country."

In a 20-minute statement, Lindh expressed remorse for joining the Taliban. "I understand why so many Americans were angry when I was first discovered in Afghanistan. I realize that many still are, but I hope that with time and understanding, their feelings will change."

Ellis acknowledged Lindh's plea, but declared, "Forgiveness is separate from punishment." He told a packed courtroom, which included Lindh's parents, brother and sister, that many Americans will think his sentence was too lenient while others will believe it was too severe.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. McNulty, asked if he thought Lindh's statement was sincere, replied, "The information he provided was viewed by the court as an acceptance of responsibility and I'll leave it at that."

Lindh's tearful apology, during which he repeatedly stopped in mid-sentence to compose himself, contrasted with Richard Reid's laughter as he pleaded guilty in Boston to attempting to blow up a trans-Atlantic flight with explosives hidden in his shoes. He also declared himself a follower of Osama bin Laden.
(More: Atlanta Journal-Constitution News Source)
2002 © The Associated Press.

Dan