US District Judge Harry Leinenweber who sentenced David Headley to 35 years in prison for helping plan the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai sounded reluctant about imposing a relatively lenient sentence. Prosecutors said they wanted Headley to get no more than 35 years because he provided intelligence about terror networks, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba that executed India's worst-ever terror attack.
These are eight strong statements made by the judge against Headley:
"He commits crime, cooperates and then gets rewarded for the cooperation. No matter what I do, it is not going to deter terrorists. Unfortunately, terrorists do not care for it."
The judge said the Mumbai assault was so unfathomable and terrifying that, "perhaps the lucky ones were the ones who didn't survive."
"I don't have any faith in Mr. Headley when he says he's a changed person and believes in the American way of life."
" I do believe that it is my duty to protect the public from Mr Headley and ensure that he does not get into any further terrorist activities."
"Recommending 35 years is not a right sentence," Leinenweber said. But "The sentence I impose, I'm hopeful it will keep Mr Headley under lock and key for the rest of his natural life."
"Mr Headley is a terrorist."
"The sentence I impose, I'm hopeful it will keep you under lock and key for the rest of your natural life."
On the death penalty, the judge told Headley, "That's what you deserve."
Post a comment