Judge rules Patriot Act OK in terror case

[unhappycamper]

Judge rules Patriot Act OK in terror case
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jan 24, 2008 13:40:43 EST

NEW HAVEN, Conn.— A judge has ruled that the USA Patriot Act is constitutional, rejecting a claim by a former sailor charged with supporting terrorism that evidence against him was illegally obtained.

Hassan Abu-Jihaad of Phoenix is awaiting trial on charges he provided material support to terrorists with intent to kill U.S. citizens and disclosed classified information relating to the national defense.

Authorities allege that the 31-year-old leaked a document describing the location and vulnerabilities of a Navy battle group to suspected terrorism supporters in London.

Abu-Jihaad cited a ruling by a federal judge in Oregon in September that struck down key portions of the Patriot Act as unconstitutional. The Bush administration is appealing.

U.S. District Court Judge Mark Kravitz in New Haven, Conn., said Thursday he disagreed with the Oregon ruling.


Article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_sailorterror_080124/