India reacts sharply to Chicago court's verdict
As India reacted sharply to the acquittal of Tahawwur Hussain Rana in the 26/11 conspiracy charge by a court in Chicago, US on Friday sought to play up the fact that Pakistani-Canadian had been found guilty of providing material support to the Lashkar-e-Toiba – the outfit that had sent 10 terrorists to carry out the carnage in Mumbai.
“Today’s verdict demonstrates our commitment to hold accountable not only terrorist operatives, but also those who facilitate their activities. As established at trial, Tahawwur Rana provided valuable cover and support to David Coleman Headley, knowing that Headley and others were plotting terror attacks overseas,” Todd Hinnen, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, was quoted in a press-release issued by the US Embassy in New Delhi.
“We will not rest in our efforts to identify and bring to justice those who provide support to terrorists.” Rana, whom the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested in Chicago in October 2009, is the second defendant to be convicted among a total of eight co-defendants who have been indicted in this case since late 2009. Co-defendant Headley, who was also arrested by the FBI from Chicago, pleaded guilty in March 2010 to all 12 counts against him, including aiding and abetting the murders of the six American victims in Mumbai. Headley is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
