Portland (Oregon): A city employee in Portland charged with funneling money to a suicide bomber and, later, the bomber`s widow, was freed on bond until his trial.
Reaz Qadir Khan, an employee of the city`s wastewater department, is accused of aiding a 2009 suicide bombing of the headquarters of Pakistan`s intelligence agency by providing money and instructions to one of the attackers.
Later, prosecutors say, Khan sent USD 750 from Oregon to one of the man`s two widows in the Maldives.
The terrorism charges could lead to a life sentence, and Khan has ties to Pakistan. Those facts, prosecutors said, make him a serious flight risk.
But yesterday, US District Judge Michael Mossman found that Khan`s ties to the community and his clean criminal record make him unlikely to run before trial.
In addition, Khan has known about the investigation since December, and knew the case was one in which people died, but he didn`t flee.
Mossman ordered Khan to avoid contact with two people connected to the case, whose names were not made public.
Khan will also have to abide by certain terms of release, including posting a USD 2,500 bond.
Khan had to show the details of his assets, which included an account in Pakistan. Mossman said that account concerned him, but Khan said the account is inactive and he can`t withdraw money from it.
Until his trial, Khan must remain at his southwest Portland home except to go to work, religious services, medical appointments, court hearings and meetings with his lawyer, The Oregonian reported.
The city has said he would be placed on paid administrative leave for now.
Khan must also wear a GPS ankle bracelet and allow monitoring devices on his computers. He can`t conduct financial transactions of more than USD 500 without court permission.
Khan, 48, was charged Tuesday with providing support to a suicide bomber who participated in a 2009 attack on Pakistan`s intelligence agency that killed about 30 people and injured another 300.
He has pleaded not guilty.
PTI
