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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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8

'American Taliban' Pleads for Mercy

Seeks freedom after 7 years in prison

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(Newser) – A young California man captured with the Taliban in 2001 is asking President Bush to commute the remaining 13 years of a 20-year prison sentence. John Walker Lindh, 27, joined the Taliban a month before the US-led invasion of Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks. Lindh claims he was never a terrorist. Former president Bush famously called Lindh a "misguided Marin County hot-tubber"—comments for which he later apologized to Californians.

"Our son never fought against American forces," said his mother, Marilyn Walker. "He did not participate in terrorist activities of any kind. John made a mistake in joining the Afghan army when their government was controlled by the Taliban. This is the Christmas season, and it's a time for mercy."

Marilyn Walker and Frank Lindh, parents of American-born Taliban John Walker Lindh, are asking President Bush to set their son free.
Marilyn Walker and Frank Lindh, parents of American-born Taliban John Walker Lindh, are asking President Bush to set their son free.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
John Walker Lindh when he was studying at an Islamic school in Pakistan.
John Walker Lindh when he was studying at an Islamic school in Pakistan.   (AP Photo/File)
John Walker Lindh in 2001 when he was captured with the Taliban.
John Walker Lindh in 2001 when he was captured with the Taliban.   (AP Photo/APTN, FILE)
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8 comments
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SEG2821
Dec 18, 08 6:27 AM CST
You join the enemy's army and ask for mercy? You honestly think that President Bush will show you mercy? You and your family are mistaken. Reply
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Nagual
Dec 18, 08 6:32 AM CST
Some stupid kid in some existential crisis decides to join an army no ones ever heard of ONE MONTH before 9/11, happens to get fucked over.. Boom 20 years in jail. Shit happens huh?
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IN RESPONSE:
jaguarj
Dec 18, 08 3:43 PM CST
Uh, what does Christmas season have to do with "time of mercy". Try again Mom..
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SEG2821
Dec 18, 08 7:30 AM CST
You join an Army of another country don't cry about the punishment. Reply
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Melinda
Dec 18, 08 8:09 AM CST
He should be thanking God every day he is in a prison in America and not in another country for this crime. His parents need to realize they too are American, the country he was fighting against. However we all make mistakes and that is there child. We dont know his life and reason. We all have had it with the goverment at one time or another. He just went to far. Reply
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Afghanistan • Islam • Taliban • Department of Justice • Northern Alliance • George W. Bush • 9/11 attacks • John Walker Lindh • Marilyn Walker • Frank Lindh

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