Saudi man convicted of conspiracy in '98 US embassy bombings

NEW YORK — A man prosecutors portrayed as one of al-Qaeda's early leaders was convicted Thursday of conspiracy in the deadly 1998 bombings of two US embassies in Africa following a trial that showcased the terror group's early days.

Khaled Al- Fawwaz stood expressionless, pursing his lips briefly, as the anonymous jury delivered its verdict after 2 1/2 days of deliberating. He could face life in prison, though his lawyers said he planned to appeal.

Prosecutors said al-Fawwaz, a 52-yearold Saudi Arabian, was a close confidant of Osama bin Laden and made sure bin Laden's death threats against Americans were heard and noticed worldwide in 1998.

"From his onetime place at the top of al- Qaeda's membership list, Fawwaz now joins the long membership list of convicted, jailed terrorists," US lawyer Preet Bharara said in a statement. With al-Fawwaz's conviction, 10 defendants tied to the embassy bombings have been convicted or pleaded guilty, Bharara said.

Al- Fawwaz' lawyers said he was a peaceful dissident who had no part in alQaeda's violent plans. They saw the case as skewed by the passage of time and the drumbeat of news and fear about terrorism since the September 11 attacks.

"Trying a pre-9/11 terror case in a post9/11 world, blocks from the World Trade Center, ensured that Mr. al-Fawwaz could never receive a truly fair trial," defense lawyer Bobbi Sternheim said after the verdict. (AP)