'Jihad Jane' pleads guilty to terrorism charges

[News_Editor]

'Jihad Jane' pleads guilty to terrorism charges

2011-02-02 06:05:51 GMT+7 (ICT)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA (BNO NEWS) -- A U.S. citizen nicknamed 'Jihad Jane' on Tuesday pleaded guilty to charges in relation to her involvement with a terrorist organization.

Colleen LaRose, 47, pleaded guilty to all counts of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to kill in a foreign country, making false statements and attempted identity theft.

'Jihad Jane' is a former resident of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She was indicted in March 2010. One month later, LaRose and co-defendant Jamie Paulin Ramirez were charged in a superseding indictment.

LaRose faces a maximum potential sentence of life in prison and a $1 million fine when sentenced. Ramirez is awaiting trial which is scheduled to begin May 2, 2011.

LaRose and her co-conspirators recruited men on the Internet to wage violent jihad in South Asia and Europe. In addition, 'Jihad Jane' recruited women on the Internet who had passports and the ability to travel to and around Europe in support of violent jihad.

The terrorist plot of LaRose and her co-conspirators included martyring themselves, soliciting funds for terrorists, soliciting passports and avoiding travel restrictions sometimes through marriage.

According to court documents, LaRose stole another citizen's U.S. passport and transferred it in order to facilitate an international terrorist attack. She was also ordered to kill a citizen and resident of Sweden in a violent way to frighten people.

'Jihad Jane' agreed and traveled to Europe. She tracked the intended target, artist Lars Vilks, online in an effort to complete her task. Vilks depicted the Prophet Muhammad with the body of a dog.

"Today's guilty plea, by a woman from suburban America who plotted with others to commit murder overseas and to provide material support to terrorists, underscores the evolving nature of the threat we face," said David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security.

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