One of two men charged with plotting to blow up synagogues in New York City appeared in court today. Prosecutors are going to take more time to bring the case to a grand jury, so Mohamed Mamdouh’s next appearance in court won’t be until June 2.
Mamdouh’s lawyer said that many cases that start out with wild allegations fall apart later.
Mamdouh’s alleged co-plotter Ahmed Ferhani did not appear in court. The 26-year-old Ferhani and 20-year-old Mamdouh deny the allegations. At their arraignment last week, they were charged with conspiracy as a crime of terrorism under a rarely-used state law. Mamdouh has gone so far as to suggest any plans were Ferhani’s only.
Authorities say Ferhani was arrested in a sting buying guns, ammunition and an inert hand grenade. Mamdouh was picked up a few blocks away.
Prosecutors say an undercover detective secretly taped both men discussing a synagogue attack.
{CBS Local/Matzav.com Newscenter}
