
Sami Osmakac, the Muslim suspect in a Tampa, Florida bomb plot, has demanded tapayers provide him with traditional Arab clothing for his trial, MyFox Tampa Bay reported.
Moreover, the Tampa Tribune said, the judge in the case has said Osmakak does not have to stand when the judge or jury enters the courtroom because of his religious beliefs.
Elaine Silvestrini reported:
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Osmakac’s lawyer told a federal magistrate this morning that Osmakac’s family doesn’t want to pay to clothe him in a robe garment called a thobe and a head wrap known as a keffiyeh. Lawyer George Tragos said he couldn’t say why Osmakac wants to wear the clothes. U.S. Magistrate Anthony Porcelli planned to confer with District Judge Mary Scriven about what clothing might be available for Osmakac to wear.
Authorities say Osmakac plotted to blow up a popular Tampa night spot, take hostages and demand the release of Islamic prisoners. He was arrested as part of an FBI sting.
His defense team argued he was mentally ill, but the court found him competent to stand trial. They also claimed Osmakac was entrapped by the FBI because he is a financially destitute, radical Muslim.
Silvestrini added:
Federal authorities say Osmakac tried to buy grenades, Uzi submachine guns and an AK-47 assault rifle. He also is accused of trying to create — and detonate — a bomb made of diesel fuel and fertilizer. All the weapons and the homemade bomb were provided and purchased from an undercover FBI agent.
Jury selection is set for next Tuesday and the trial is expected to last four weeks.
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