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Feds Warn of Jury Tampering in Israel-Terrorism-Related Case

(Politico) Josh Gerstein - Federal prosecutors are publicly accusing Palestinian-American activist Hatem Abudayyeh of the Chicago-based Arab American Action Network of an "almost certainly criminal" effort to derail the trial of a colleague accused of naturalization fraud for failing to disclose a terrorism conviction in Israel more than four decades ago. In a motion filed Friday in connection with the upcoming trial of Rasmea Odeh, prosecutors wrote: "Hatem Abudayyeh has orchestrated a concerted effort to influence the criminal proceedings against defendant, which has resulted, at each proceeding, in a large group outside the Courthouse protesting and parading, carrying signs demanding dismissal of charges and 'Justice for Rasmea' and displaying the Palestinian flag." "Abudayyeh has publicly stated that a goal of filling the courtroom, rallying outside the courthouse, and chanting while holding posters is to influence the opinions of jurors....As is evident from Mr. Abudayyeh's own statements, it is his goal, and that of his supporters, to tamper with the prospective and seated jurors in order to sway the jury in defendant's favor."
2014-10-07 00:00:00
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