An Iraqi citizen suspected of belonging to an Iran-supported militia group created a disruption in a Manhattan federal courtroom Monday while entering a not guilty plea to terrorism-related charges.
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi declared his innocence in an unexpected courtroom statement, telling the court “I am not a criminal.”
The defendant appeared in Manhattan federal court where his attorney, Andrew Dalack, submitted a not guilty plea for eight criminal counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata’ib Hezbollah, which U.S. authorities classify as a terrorist organization backed by Iran.
Speaking through an Arabic interpreter, Al-Saadi stated: “I am not guilty and we are in a war situation.”
The defendant continued his remarks, telling the court “Children are being killed by your rockets,” while making gestures toward the area where U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon and Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office prosecutors were positioned.
Al-Saadi did not specify which particular incident he was referencing in his statement.
Iranian authorities report that a February 28 attack on a girls’ school in Iran resulted in the deaths of more than 175 children and teachers.
According to Reuters reporting, a preliminary internal U.S. military review indicated American forces were probably responsible for the incident, based on information from two U.S. officials.
Pentagon officials have not confirmed any initial conclusions from their investigation. A Pentagon representative stated Monday that the inquiry remains active.
During Monday’s proceedings, Al-Saadi appeared in a beige prison uniform with shackles around his ankles.
When the defendant began speaking, McMahon spoke loudly and commanded him to sit down. Two U.S. marshals who had been positioned behind Al-Saadi moved toward the defense table, and he complied with the order to be seated as they approached.
U.S. authorities took Al-Saadi into custody in Turkey last month during a period of increased American focus on Iran-supported militia groups accused of attacking American personnel and allies in various regions since the U.S. and Israel entered into conflict with Iran.
Federal prosecutors state that Kata’ib Hezbollah operates under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to prosecutors, Al-Saadi assisted in planning roughly 18 attacks across Europe in recent months, though not all of these attacks were carried out, and during March and April he conspired to conduct attacks within the United States, including targeting a New York synagogue.
