WP:Exam Sought to Prove Saudis Tortured Man

[MountainLaurel]

If it is proved that he was tortured, will there be an outcry from Americans or the international community? Will Amnesty International picket the State Department? Will anyone pay attention at last to the crimes this country has been committing?

An attorney for an American student charged in a conspiracy to kill President Bush called yesterday for an independent medical examination, which he contended would show that his client was tortured while in Saudi custody.

The development came as the student, Ahmed Omar Abu Ali, was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Alexandria and pleaded not guilty. Normally a routine proceeding, the arraignment set off a round of courtroom fireworks that reflected the combative -- and complicated -- nature of the case.

The government says Abu Ali, 23, of Falls Church, confessed to the assassination plot and admitted that he had discussed with al Qaeda plans to conduct a Sept. 11-style terror attack in the United States. Abu Ali's family and attorneys deny the charges, saying that any confession was obtained through torture during his 20 months in Saudi custody. Prosecutors have said the allegations of torture are "an utter fabrication.''

As yesterday's hearing began, defense lawyer Ashraf Nubani immediately proclaimed his intention to seek a medical and psychological examination of Abu Ali.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33747-2005Mar14.html