The suspected ringleader of the attack on the US
consulate in Benghazi has appeared amid tight security at a US federal
courthouse.
consulate in Benghazi has appeared amid tight security at a US federal
courthouse.
Ahmed Abu Khattala was
captured by US forces in Benghazi on June 18.
captured by US forces in Benghazi on June 18.
He has repeatedly denied all
the accusations against him. He says he was in Benghazi during the attack on
the US consulate but that did not take part.
the accusations against him. He says he was in Benghazi during the attack on
the US consulate but that did not take part.
The US ambassador to Libya,
Chris Stevens, and three other people were killed in the 2012 attack.
Chris Stevens, and three other people were killed in the 2012 attack.
“Ahmed Abu Khatallah is in law
enforcement custody”, department of justice spokesman Bill Miller said.
enforcement custody”, department of justice spokesman Bill Miller said.
Abu Khattala is charged with
killing a person on US property, a firearms offence and providing material
support to terrorism.
killing a person on US property, a firearms offence and providing material
support to terrorism.
American media reported that
Abu Khattala was brought to court in Washington from a US Navy warship where he
had been held since being captured two weeks ago.
Abu Khattala was brought to court in Washington from a US Navy warship where he
had been held since being captured two weeks ago.
The US has described him as
“key figure” in the attack on the consulate.
“key figure” in the attack on the consulate.
President Obama praised the
raid which led to his capture earlier this month.
raid which led to his capture earlier this month.
“When Americans are attacked,
no matter how long it takes we will find those responsible and we will bring
them to justice,” he said.
no matter how long it takes we will find those responsible and we will bring
them to justice,” he said.
President Obama and then
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faced fierce criticism for not doing enough
to prevent the attack.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faced fierce criticism for not doing enough
to prevent the attack.
Several Republican congressmen
have called for Abu Khattala and other terror suspects to be held in Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba, reports the BBC.
have called for Abu Khattala and other terror suspects to be held in Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba, reports the BBC.
