.theintercept.com // Trial and Terror

18.1.18

Trial and Terror: Since the 9/11 attacks, most of the 834 terrorism defendants prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice have been charged with material support for terrorism, criminal conspiracy, immigration violations, or making false statements — vague, nonviolent offenses that give prosecutors wide latitude for scoring quick convictions or plea bargains. 540 defendants have pleaded guilty to charges, while the courts found 182 guilty at trial. Just 2 have been acquitted and 3 have seen their charges dropped or dismissed, giving the Justice Department a near-perfect record of conviction in terrorism cases.

Today, 362 people charged with terrorism-related offenses are in custody in the United States, including 66 defendants who are awaiting trial and remain innocent until proven guilty.