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Fort Dix 5 Convicted of Conspiracy

Muslim immigrants guilty of plotting to kill soldiers at NJ base

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 22, 2008 1:28 PM CST

(Newser) – The five men charged in the Fort Dix terrorism case were convicted today of conspiracy to kill American soldiers, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. The Muslim immigrants from Albania, Jordan, and Turkey were investigated by FBI agents and informers over 15 months in 2006 and 2007. Hours of recordings documented their planning of a strike at the New Jersey base or another military target.

The men were acquitted of attempted murder charges, but the conspiracy convictions could still mean life in prison. They were taken into custody in May 2007, after two sought to purchase assault rifles from an FBI informer. Opponents of the prosecution said the FBI and its informants effectively encouraged the men to act illegally, but the feds maintain evidence showed them to be “radical Islamists.”

Defendant Eljvir Duka, left, listens to his attorney Troy Archie during closing arguments.
Defendant Eljvir Duka, left, listens to his attorney Troy Archie during closing arguments.   (AP Photo)
The five defendants in the courtroom.
The five defendants in the courtroom.   (AP Photo)
Soldiers during training at Fort Dix Army Base in Fort Dix, N.J.
Soldiers during training at Fort Dix Army Base in Fort Dix, N.J.   (AP Photo)
Army trucks drive to the live ammunition ranges during military convoy training at Fort Dix, NJ.
Army trucks drive to the live ammunition ranges during military convoy training at Fort Dix, NJ.   (AP Photo)
A truck drives through a gate at Fort Dix, near Wrightstown, NJ.
A truck drives through a gate at Fort Dix, near Wrightstown, NJ.   (AP Photo)
The original six defendants accused of plotting to attack Fort Dix Army base are seen in court for a pre-trial hearing.
The original six defendants accused of plotting to attack Fort Dix Army base are seen in court for a pre-trial hearing.   (AP Photo)
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