Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

'American Taliban' Pleads for Mercy

Seeks freedom after 7 years in prison

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 18, 2008 6:00 AM CST

(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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Shannonals
Dec 27, 2008 4:02 AM CST
This traitor should have been shot from day on. American soldiers are dying overseas, and he supported the enemy
Guest
Dec 20, 2008 3:58 AM CST
How can this traitor even be considered for mercy, when we have 2 border patrol agents in jail for protecting our borders! These 2 men should be at the top of the pardon list, and the traitor sent to GITMO!
Guest
Dec 19, 2008 5:27 AM CST
20 years isn't enough, he should spend the rest of his miserable life in jail.

More Newser Stories

Release Scapegoat 'American Taliban,' Says Dad

Islam Needs a Civil War

Afghan Governor Rejects Karzai Election

Pakistan Finds Passports Linked to 9/11

Taliban to West: We Mean You No Harm


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne