In a remarkable verdict, a German court in Hamburg found a suspected terrorist not guilty. Abdelghani Mzoudi was a close friend to Mohammed Atta and the others from the Hamburg terrorist cell that conducted the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington. He was accused of helping them in the preparation.
One would think the U.S. Government would have a great interest in the conviction of somebody who may have be one of the last surviving perpetrators of the 2001 attacks. But they did not support the prosecution. As Germany's equivalent to the Attorney General, Kay Nehm puts it: "They must have their reasons, which they did not communicate to us. I find this conduct by the United States incomprehensible."
This refers primarily to the testimony of the other surviving member of the Hamburg terrorist cell, Ramzi Binalshibh, currently in custody of the U.S. government. Binalshibh gave a long testimony, a copy of which was given to the German authorities but on the condition that I is not allowed to be used in courts. Which I honestly belive is ridiculous.
The judge concluded: "You are acquitted, not because the court is convinced of your innocence, but because the evidence was not enough to convict you."
The verdict is a victory for the rule of law but it is still a shame.
For an English article, check this NYTimes story