Iraqi National Pleads Not Guilty to Alleged Europe Attack Plot
Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi has pleaded not guilty to U.S. terrorism-related charges accusing him of helping plan at least 18 attacks across Europe and supporting the Iran-backed militia Kata’ib Hezbollah.
Appearing in federal court in Manhattan on Monday, Al-Saadi described himself as a «prisoner of war» and denied the allegations. During the hearing, he told the court he was not a criminal and referred to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East before being ordered to sit down by Judge Colleen McMahon. U.S. marshals approached him as the exchange unfolded.
U.S. prosecutors allege that Al-Saadi, whom they describe as a senior member of Kata’ib Hezbollah, coordinated or supported a series of attacks targeting U.S., Israeli and Jewish interests in Europe. The alleged incidents include a firebombing in Amsterdam and knife attacks in London. Authorities also claim he discussed potential attacks in the United States, including against a synagogue in New York.
Al-Saadi was arrested in Turkey and transferred to U.S. custody last month. His lawyer, Andrew Dalack, said his client worked for the Iraqi government and raised concerns about his conditions of confinement.
The case comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran-backed militias and increased U.S. scrutiny of groups accused of targeting American interests abroad. If convicted, Al-Saadi could face severe penalties under U.S. anti-terrorism laws.
