AN Algerian-born Irish citizen has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in the US for terrorism offences.
Ali Charaf Damache, 53, was jailed for conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists.
The jihadist was indicted in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in 2011 on one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and one count of attempted identity theft to facilitate an act of international terrorism.
He was extradited from Spain in 2017 before pleading guilty in July this year.
'Hate and prejudice'
US Attorney William McSwain welcomed the sentence after attempting to being Damache to justice almost a decade.
“Today’s sentencing marks the end of a long and arduous prosecution that has spanned more than nine years, involved four defendants and five unnamed co-conspirators, and required multiple coordinated international arrests and two extradition applications,” he said.
“Damache and his co-conspirators were motivated by hate and prejudice, and their criminal activities presented a very real danger to our country and the world.
“This case is a prime example of the remarkable results we can accomplish when law enforcement – both foreign and domestic – work together to stop our enemies who intend to wage war on our way of life.
“As this case shows, our resolve to dismantle extremists groups is stronger than ever.”
Theblackflag
In a statement, the US Department of Justice described Damache, also known as Theblackflag, as the driving force behind the terrorist cell he formed.
Damache recruited Jamie Paulin Ramirez of Colorado and Colleen R. LaRose – also known as Jihad Jane – of Pennsylvania.
He enticed them to travel to Ireland to live with him and train in preparation for terrorist attacks in South Asia and Europe.
John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, praised the efforts of those around the world, including authorities in Ireland, following the sentencing.
“Through close cooperation with our international law enforcement partners and the dedicated work of our agents and prosecutors, we have brought Damache to justice,” he said.
“The sentence in this case and order of removal have made the United States safer, and I applaud the women and men throughout the law enforcement community who made it happen.”
In pleading guilty in return for a 15-year sentence, Damache waived his right of appeal.
He will also be extradited to either Ireland or Algeria once his sentence has been served.
