Maher Hawash, an Intel software engineer whose detention in Oregon prompted high-profile protests about civil rights abuse, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of conspiring to help the Taliban in Afghanistan. In return for his promise to testify against six other Portland-based suspects accused of plotting in 2001 to wage war against the United States, federal prosecutors dropped more serious terrorism charges against Hawash, who worked for Intel for more than a decade before his detention in March. Hawash, known as “Mike,” expects to serve seven to 10 years in prison and will cooperate fully in next January’s trial of the other suspects, said his lawyer, Stephen Houze, in a telephone interview. Hawash faced more than 20 years in prison on the charges that have been dropped. Attorney General John D. Ashcroft approved the deal. Full Story
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