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Was Qaeda Cabbie Flunky or Warrior?

Hamdan's sentence depends on which image is convincing

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 7, 2008 3:22 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Now that Salim Hamdan has been found guilty of driving Osama bin Laden around Afghanistan, sentencers must now decide if that makes him a warrior or a flunky, USA Today reports. Testimony from a psychiatrist describing Hamdan's path from impoverished Yemeni orphan to chauffeur for the world's most wanted man is expected to play a key role in the decision.

The psychiatrist told the court that Hamdan was revolted and felt betrayed after learning his employer was behind terror attacks. Prosecutors say the driver was a "warrior" who pledged allegiance to  the cause—and emphasize that Hamdan, who could face a life sentence, continued to work for bin Laden after discovering his terror links.

Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden, is shown at unknown location.
Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden, is shown at unknown location.   (AP Photo/Photo courtesy of Prof. Neal Katyal)
Defendant Salim Hamdan attends his trial inside the war crimes courthouse at Camp Justice.
Defendant Salim Hamdan attends his trial inside the war crimes courthouse at Camp Justice.   (AP Photo/Janet Hamlin, Pool)
In this hearing sketch Salim Ahmed Hamdan watches as an FBI agent testifies about his interrogations of Hamdan.
In this hearing sketch Salim Ahmed Hamdan watches as an FBI agent testifies about his interrogations of Hamdan.   (AP Photo/Janet Hamlin, Pool)
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Bin Laden driver guilty on lesser charge
New York Times

Fairness debate rages on after split verdict
AFP

 
sentencing • Osama bin Laden • Guantanamo prisoners • Salim Ahmed Hamdan • al-Qaeda • Guantanamo tribunals

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