NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison in a failed attempt to join al-Qaida to avenge Muslim abuse.
A judge sentenced Betim Kaziu (beh-TEEM’ ka-ZOO’) on Friday in federal court in Brooklyn. Prosecutors had sought a life sentence.
A jury found Kaziu guilty of conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization. He also was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and other charges.
Kaziu had denied ever being a threat. Prosecutors say Kaziu tried but failed to join al-Qaida groups in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans.
He eventually made his way to Kosovo, where he recorded what the government claimed was a farewell martyrdom video. He also bought a plane ticket to Pakistan but was captured before making the trip.
