Too bad we can't just execute this guy on national television as a warning to his fellow jihadis.

A former Navy sailor was convicted Wednesday of leaking details about ship movements to suspected terrorism supporters, an act that could have endangered his own crewmates. Jurors convicted Hassan Abu-Jihaad, 32, of Phoenix of providing material support to terrorists and disclosing classified national defense information on the second day of deliberations.

The American-born Muslim convert formerly known as Paul R. Hall faces up to 25 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in May. His attorney, Dan LaBelle, said an appeal was likely.

"We're disappointed with the verdict, but we respect the process. It was a close case," LaBelle said.

Reached by telephone Wednesday afternoon, a juror called the case "difficult" and said there was plenty of debate in two days of deliberations.

"It was a very, very difficult decision to make," said the juror, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the nature of the case. "It was not something that was clear cut. When we concluded, there was not a doubt in our mind."

There is a word for what this guy did. It is called treason -- giving aid and comfort to the enemy during time of war. There is simply no excuse for not charging him with that crime, and then imposing the proper penalty. The failure of the Bush Administration to seek treason charges against jihadis -- whether this piece of pig-crap or the American Taliban -- is really inexcusable. It undermines the reality that we are at war with the enemy we face by promoting the perception of something less.

Posted by: Greg at 11:18 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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