The lawyer for two Pakistani prayer leaders threatened with deportation said on Monday that US officials unfairly tarnished their reputations by raising the threat of terrorism while announcing other arrests in the same California city. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced arrests last week of Imams Muhammad Adil Khan and Shabbir Ahmed, who were living in Lodi, California, for violating terms of their visas. Khan's son was also charged.
The news came on the same day US officials announced the arrest of Umer and Hamid Hayat, a Pakistani-American father and son in the same city south of the state capital, Sacramento, after they said the son admitted to attending an al Qaeda training camp in Pakistan.
"The timing of Khan's, Ahmed's and Hassan Khan's detentions, coinciding as they did with the Hayat arrests, created a presumption that my clients were somehow involved in a terrorist plot against the United States," lawyer Saad Ahmad said in a statement.
"Neither Khan, nor Ahmed, nor Hassan Khan have ever been involved in any terrorist activity, whether it be actual engagement, conspiracy, incitement, solicitation, or any other possible crime, nor is there any suspicion or evidence that such charges are forthcoming."
"The presumption of a terrorist plot involving my clients has tarnished not only the reputation of my clients, but of their families, friends, and community, as well. My clients love the United States, and cherish the fact that they are free to practice the Muslim religion here." The attorney for the three men also disputed allegations of visa violations, an issue he said he would contest before immigration court.
In the case against the Hayat father and son, officials expect an indictment will be handed down on Thursday this week as investigators continue to gather information.
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