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Bush's AG Pick Has History With Terror Trials

Blind sheik case gave preview of security issues facing Mukasey

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2007 2:08 PM CDT

(Newser) – Before America was paying attention, Judge Michael Mukasey tried a landmark terrorism case. The 1995-96 trial of blind sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, convicted with nine others of plotting a massive "day of terror" at three New York sites, forced Mukasey, now President Bush's nominee for US attorney general, to navigate issues of secrecy, security and civil liberties.

Since then, Mukasey has made it clear that he's inclined to come down on the side of security and secrecy, the New York Times reports. Reviews of Mukasey's work on the case were generally glowing, with one US attorney calling it a master class on the issues. Ron Kuby, a defense lawyer Mukasey threw off the case, was less impressed: “He was violating the rights of Arabs before it was popular,” Kuby said.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, walks with Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, left, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook) (Associated Press)

Judge Michael B. Mukasey sentenced sheik Omar Abdel Rahman to life in prison, in an act of terrorism response called "prescient" by some. (KRT Photos)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, accompanied by Attorney General-designate Michael Mukasey, left, meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. (AP... (Associated Press)

President Bush, right, announces his choice for attorney general, retired federal judge Michael Mukasey, left, to replace Alberto Gonzales, Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, in the Rose Garden of the White House... (Associated Press)

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Bush's AG Pick Has History With Terror Trials