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Terror Plot Imam Pleads Guilty, Signs "Death Sentence"
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 5, 2010
Modified Mar 5, 2010
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By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 5, 2010
Modified Mar 5, 2010
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Two weeks after Najibullah Zazi pleaded guilty to plotting to bomb NYC subways, the Queens imam who let him know the police were investigating him has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. An upset Imam Ahmad Afzali told a judge, "When I was asked whether I had told Zazi about law enforcement being interested in him, I lied and said I did not. My intention was not to protect Zazi, but to protect myself. In doing so, I failed to live up to my obligation to this country, my community, my family and my religion. I am truly sorry."
Zazi was being monitored last year by the NYPD and FBI but abandoned his plan to attack NYC when Afzali tipped him off. Afzali had been a NYPD informant but says he had no idea that Zazi and his associates were suspected terrorists, "The police interest in these men led me to believe that they were involved in some criminal activity but I had no idea of its seriousness."
With the conviction, Afzali must leave the U.S. within 90 days or be deported (maybe back to Afghanistan) after serving time in jail. Afzali referred to his cooperation with the NYPD, "I've just signed my death sentence. I grew up here. I barely speak my own language. I'm between a rock and a wall. Helping the government and here is what I get."
Tagged
AHMAD AFAZALI
imam
Najibullah Zazi
terror plot
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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