NEW YORK: An alleged member of an Iran-backed militia pleaded not guilty on Monday to US criminal charges he was involved in multiple attacks against American interests in Europe, proclaiming in a courtroom outburst, “I am not a criminal.”
Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi spoke in Manhattan federal court after 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 the US considers a terrorist organization.
“I am not guilty and we are in a war situation,” Al-Saadi said through an Arabic interpreter.
“Children are being killed by your rockets,” Al-Saadi added, gesturing in front of him toward where US District Judge Colleen McMahon and prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney’s office were seated.
Al-Saadi did not say if he was referring to a specific incident.
