Jury Selection Begins in Lynne Stewart Terror Trial
New York Lawyer Lynne Stewart is charged with terror related offenses arising from her representation of blind Sheik Abdel Rahman, convicted in the 1995 UN bombing case. She is being defended by the impressive Michael Tigar. Jury selection began yesterday, and already, the spectre of 9/11 is raising its head, even though her case has nothing to do with it.
Ms. Stewart is accused, along with two other defendants, of helping Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman communicate messages from his jail cell to the Islamic Group, a terrorist organization he once headed. She is also accused of violating restrictions the government imposed on Mr. Abdel Rahman, her client, and making false statements about her actions.
Her lead defense lawyer, Michael E. Tigar, has said the government is trying to curb Ms. Stewart's rights to represent clients linked to terrorism. Mr. Abdel Rahman was convicted in 1995 of plotting to destroy the United Nations headquarters and other New York landmarks.
The jury will be anonymous. It will be an interesting trial, and it has consequences, not just for Ms. Stewart, but for all lawyers and their clients:
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