Abdullah al-Kidd
A federal judge in Boise is questioning the urgency that FBI agents felt when they arrested an American Muslim, and former University of Idaho football player, under a law designed to ensure witnesses show up in court.
Abdullah Al-Kidd, a U.S. citizen, sued former Attorney General John Ashcroft and other federal officials in 2005 after he was arrested and jailed as a witness in a terrorism-related case against another man. He contends his arrest was a ruse to give the government time to investigate him. The government maintains its actions were constitutional.
U.S. District Judge Mikel Williams asked if it was reasonable for the FBI to assume that al-Kidd would be immediately needed to testify, since trials are routinely delayed. Justice Department attorney Marcus Meeks said the agents made their decision based on the information available. (AP)
