Sunday, May 19, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS – The Somali community in Minnesota is reacting with a mix of outrage, confusion and relief to sentences handed down last week in the long-running investigations into recruiting and financing for the terrorist group al-Shabab.
At least 22 young men have left Minnesota since 2007 to join the group in Somalia.
Nine people who have been convicted were sentenced last week and received penalties ranging from two to 20 years in prison.
Family members of the men who were recruited say the sentences bring justice. But others say the penalties were harsh, particularly for a woman who raised money. She got 20 years in prison while two men who joined the group got three years.
Experts say the laws are strict to deter fundraising for terrorists.
Source: AP