U.S. converts may face treason charges

12/08/2001

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Americans who have fought for the Taliban or al-Qaida could face treason, murder, conspiracy or other charges, the Justice Department said Friday.

The question of what crimes such Americans could be charged with surfaced this week after the government said three people claiming to be Americans have been fighting for the Taliban.

One, John Walker, 20, survived a bloody prison riot where a CIA operative was killed, the first American combat death in Afghanistan. Rumsfeld said searches are under way for two others.

According to the Justice Department, American members of al Qaida or the Taliban who engaged in armed conflict against the U.S. and allied military forces could face charges of:

— Treason

— Murder of a federal employee

— Foreign murder of a U.S. national

— Foreign murder of a U.S. national for the purpose of terrorism

— Conspiracy

— Providing material support or resources to terrorists

Treason carries a maximum punishment of death or at least five years in prison.

The murder charges are punishable by death, life in prison or 10 years in prison, depending on whether they are first, second or manslaughter charges, respectively.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and providing support for terrorists has a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison or life or the death sentence if the offense resulted in death.

The charges would depend on the nature and extent of the members' involvement with the Taliban or al-Qaida, the department said in a statement.