In Reversal, Mumbai Attacker Admits Guilt

[Coventina]

Source: New York Times

MUMBAI, India —The man the Indian authorities have put on trial as the only survivor of the team of gunmen that killed more than 160 people here in November offered a dramatic and unexpected confession on Monday, reversing months of denials.

Moments before the trial’s 135th witness was to take the stand, the defendant, a young Pakistani named Ajmal Kasab, stood up and told the judge that he had participated in the attacks.

Speaking softly in Hindi and Urdu to a stunned and spellbound courtroom, he gave a detailed recounting of the planning and execution of the operation, beginning with his introduction to a Pakistan-based Islamic extremist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and ending with the rampage that hit two luxury hotels, a railway station, popular cafe and a Jewish center.

“I don’t think I am innocent,” Mr. Kasab, 21, declared toward the end of his daylong confession. “My request is that we end the trial and I be sentenced.”

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/world/asia/21india.html

[timeforpeace]

1. Closure, for once.

[ohio2007]

2. Sounds like it's just begining if you take him at his word