US ‘JihadJane’ indicted for global terror recruiting
Colleen LaRose, who is also known by the pseudonyms of "Fatima LaRose" and "JihadJane," is pictured in this handout released by Site Intelligence Group on Wednesday. (Reuters)
Published: Mar 11, 2010 01:04 Updated: Mar 11, 2010 02:04
WASHINGTON: A US woman operating online under the name “JihadJane” has been indicted for recruiting fighters in the United States, Europe and Asia in a bid to carry out terror plots. Pennsylvania resident Colleen LaRose, 46, faces charges of “conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists,” among other charges, the indictment unsealed Tuesday said.
She sought to recruit men and women, to raise money and even agreed to carry out the murder of a Swedish resident, pledging “only death will stop me,” the indictment charged.
The Justice Department unsealed the indictment against LaRose just hours after Irish police arrested seven people accused of plotting to kill a controversial Swedish cartoonist. Arrested in October 2009, she spent more than a year networking with would-be attackers around the world.
With blond hair and green eyes, the 46-year-old LaRose allegedly said in one e-mail that she could go anywhere undetected, writing that it was “an honor & great pleasure to die or kill for” jihad.
Born in 1963, LaRose lived in Texas before moving to a community outside the northeast US city of Philadelphia. Divorced, LaRose had no known occupation, authorities said. But she now stands accused of recruiting women “who had passports and the ability to travel to and around Europe in support of violent jihad,” and of having stolen a US passport “and transferred or attempted to transfer it in an effort to facilitate an act of international terrorism.”
If convicted of the charges against her, LaRose could face life in prison and a one million dollar fine. The indictment claims she received two messages in March 2009 from an individual in a South Asian country instructing her to kill an unnamed Swedish resident. “Kill him... this is what i say to u,” the indictment quotes one message as saying. “Kill (the individual) in a way that the whole Kafir (non-believer) world get frightened,” the second said. “I will make this my goal till i achieve it or die trying,” LaRose allegedly responded. LaRose also was identified by the monikers “Fatima LaRose” and “JihadJane.”
At least three Swedish newspapers on Wednesday published a highly offensive cartoon against Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after an alleged plot to murder the artist who created it was uncovered in Ireland. Irish authorities on Tuesday detained four men and three women suspected of involvement in an alleged plot to kill Vilks. Irish police said Wednesday those arrested were two Algerians, two Libyans, a Palestinian, a Croatian and an American woman married to one of the Algerian suspects.
Comments
YUSUF MARIO GERMINO
Mar 11, 2010 12:49
Report abuseThis is a sad story indeed.
My question is that, knowing how much it offends Muslims all over the world when our Prophet and our belief is mocked, insulted or ridiculed, why is it that many in the west, ignorant individuals continue to do so.
Like what is mentioned in this report, again 3 Swedish newspapers published the highly offensive cartoon against our Prophet Mohammed (SAW), isn't this an obvious provocation on the sensitivity of the issue?
It is up to the editors of these newspapers to exercise wisdom in publishing or not publishing these cartoons. I am sure they will again guise "freedom of expression". But what if someone had taken a picture of their leaders in an obscene pose or incident, would they publish it. Defnitely not, they will certainly practice self censorship. So why can't they do it, given the seriousness of this subject matter.
Now I believe in Sweden there are many who claim to have gone to school but remains living like educated morons, failing to put wisdom in their action and respect to others, especially its leaders and media practitioners.
JOHN
Mar 11, 2010 14:15
Report abuseYou wrote "if someone had taken a picture of their leaders in an obscene pose or incident, would they publish it. Definitely not." Well I don't know which planet you are living on but this is an ongoing thing in the West. It is okay to criticize political and religious leaders (including Jesus) and lampoon them in any derogatory way. Haven't you heard of the play and movie "Jesus Christ Superstar?", and of course there are many others. You will find them on Saturday Night Live and I am sure if you perform a Google or Yahoo search you will find thousands.
You should pick your fights wisely and don't let others pick them for you.
THOMAS JONES
Mar 11, 2010 14:15
Report abuseRHYOLITE
Mar 13, 2010 12:17
Report abuseHave ever taken a look at the "Editorial Cartoons" in THIS newspaper? The way OUR President was routinely portrayed were always extremely offensive, but no American was sending killers to "protest" the venomous insults! There's a childs Nursery Rhyme that applies, one that the average Arab/Muslim has obviously never learned, "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words (or pictures) can never hurt me!"
ANDY
Mar 13, 2010 12:17
Report abuseYou and others who do not know and understand what "freedom of expression" mean have to understand how an democracy works:
Our press/media/artists etc. in the west and other countries which are fully democratic can and will print/publish whatever they want and the "freedom of expression" will stand above everything even if some groups or people will feel offended. All published articles or pictures or paintings of an artist may offend some people whatever it may be.
This can never be stoped or banned by anyone and definately not by the government....or an extremist!
Then it is a totally another thing if you like the painting or not. That is up to the viewer to judge.