Top > World > 2006 > October > 2006-10-15

American Charged with Treason for Al-Qaeda Support

An American citizen accused of supporting al-Qaeda who appeared in propaganda videos for the Islamist terrorist group has been charged with treason. Adam Yehiye Gadahn has also been charged with providing material support to terrorists. At present, he remains at large, his whereabouts unknown. If caught and convicted, Gadahn could receive the death penalty. He is on the Federal Bureau of Investigation`s Top Ten Most Wanted list.

Raised in California, Gadahn appeared last month in an Al-Qaeda video along with the group`s number two, Ayman al-Zawahri, and called for Americans to convert to Islam - or else - and for U.S. troops to change sides. His indictment is said to be the first in the War on Terror related to treason.

According to an indictment read by an Orange County grand jury, Mr. Gadahn "knowingly adhered to an enemy of the United States, namely, al-Qaeda, and gave al-Qaeda aid and comfort...with intent to betray the United States." Also known by his nom de guerre, Azzam al-Amriki, (Azzam the American), Gadahn is believe to be somewhere in Pakistan. As part of their efforts, the FBI has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest.