Iran-backed Militia Member Pleads Not Guilty to U.S. Charges in Federal Court
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, has pleaded not guilty to U.S. criminal charges in a Manhattan federal court. Al-Saadi is accused of being involved in multiple attacks against American interests in Europe and plotting attacks in the United States. During the court proceedings, Al-Saadi, through an Arabic interpreter, declared, 'I am not a criminal,' and claimed, 'we are in a war situation.' His lawyer, Andrew Dalack, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf to eight counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. Al-Saadi was taken into U.S. custody in Turkey last month amid increased scrutiny of Iran-backed militias.