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December 20, 2005
Turkey: Lawyer Says Holy War Is Muslim "Obligation"
In reports from Turkish Press and Ireland's Breaking News, a defence lawyer in the trial of suspected Islamist bombers has made a bizarre claim in his clients' advocacy.
Osman Karahan said earlier today in an Istanbul court that his clients should not be facing trial. He is representing 14 of the 72 suspects involved with the attacks from November 2003, which killed 63 people and wounded more than 750. The attacks were made against two synagogues, the British consulate and the local headquarters of the British-based bank, HSBC.
Karahan spoke for three hours. "Is it possible to judge people who have nothing to do with the facts of the case just because they praise holy war?" he stated. "If we open this door, tomorrow we will be judging those who fast or those who pray".
"After Damascus, it will be Istanbul's turn, with the same massacres as in Bosnia," the lawyer said. He affirmed that holy war was an obligation for every Muslim.
Karahan also said "If non-Muslims go into Muslim lands, it is every Muslim's obligation to fight them".
29 of the suspects were brought into the court. Four of the accused are said to be ringleaders, and face the possibility of life sentences.
Thirty seven other defendants are charged with assisting terrorist acts and membership of a terrorist group, and face a potential of between seven and 22 and a half years in jail.
Of the 71 charged, Turkish Press states that only 29 people are currently in jail.
Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at December 20, 2005 5:46 PM
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