AP: Judge delays Padilla's Fla. terror trial

[Eugene]

Judge delays Padilla's Fla. terror trial

By CURT ANDERSON, Associated Press Writer

1 hour, 6 minutes ago

MIAMI - A federal judge Friday ordered a three-month delay for the trial
of alleged al-Qaida operative Jose Padilla and two others, in part to allow
time for a full evaluation of Padilla's mental competency.

U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke set a new trial date of April 16. It was
the third time the case had been postponed.

Padilla, a 36-year-old U.S. citizen and former Chicago gang member, is
charged with being part of a North American cell that provided cash,
supplies and recruits to Islamic extremists.

-snip-

Padilla claims he was tortured while in the Navy brig, a contention the
Justice Department and Pentagon have repeatedly denied. Mental experts
hired by Padilla's lawyers filed court papers saying that Padilla suffers
from post traumatic stress disorder and cannot adequately assist his legal
defense team.

-snip-

Full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_re_us/padilla_terror_charges

[BayCityProgressive]

1. How long is this man

going to be held for before he gets a trial????

[cap]

2. the defense wants to get him treated for mental illness

that's why there's a delay. The judge wants to get a psych evaluation that will stand up against any appeal by the prosecution.