Defense Makes Argument in Jordan CW Case

Televising the confessions of several suspects in a foiled chemical attack in Jordan undermined the defendants’ chances for a fair trial, defense lawyers argued yesterday (see GSN, Oct. 6).

“The case was presented in a dramatic way to the Jordanian people ... which led to a public verdict even before the court's verdict,” said defense attorney Sameeh Khreiss, who represents al-Qaeda operative and alleged attack mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He also claimed that testimony given by his clients was done so under duress.

The evidence presented at trial was “null and void” due to irregularities in his clients’ arrest and interrogation, Khreiss argued.

When Khreiss finished his argument, suspect Anas Samir shouted at the court, “You are apostates with your laws and your constitution. You are the deputy of the devil.”

Prosecutors have called for the death penalty for 12 of the 13 suspects, according to AFP. That includes Zarqawi, who already faces two death sentences in Jordan and is being tried with three others in absentia in this case (Agence France-Presse, Dec. 19).

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