Citations
- 54 F. Supp. 2d 236
Full opinion text
OPINION
DUFFY, District Judge.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FACTUAL BACKGROUND.246
I. The Evidence at Trial.246
A. Ahmad Mohammad Ajaj.246
B. Mohammad Salameh.246
C. Mahmoud Abouhalima.247
D. Nidal Ayyad .247
II. The Rule 33 Motions .247
DISCUSSION.248
AYYAD’S CLAIMS.249
I. Trial Counsel’s Lack of Federal Criminal Practice Experience.250
II. Trial Counsel’s Failure to Consult or Retain Various Expert Witnesses.250
III. Trial Counsel’s Alleged Ineffective Motion Practice and Preparation for Defense Case.252
IV. Trial Counsel’s Alleged Ineffective Trial Conduct.253
A. The In-Court Identification.253
B. Cross-Examination .253
C. Summation.254
ABOUHALIMA’S MOTION.255
I.Allegations of Newly Discovered Evidence of False Trial Testimony by Special Agent David Williams.255
A. Overview of Dr. Frederic Whitehurst’s Hearing Testimony and the Inspector General’s Report.257
1. Whitehurst’s Background and Initial Involvement in the World Trade Center Investigation.257
2. Whitehurst’s Concerns Regarding the Urea Nitrate Theory.257
3. Whitehurst’s Disagreements with His Superiors. 258
a. April Report.258
b. The Attempt to Alter Whitehurst’s Dictation. 258
c. The July Report.259
4. The Haldimann Episode.259
5. Criticisms of Williams’ Testimony.260
a. Criticisms of Williams’ Testimony Contained in the Inspect or General’s Report.260
B. Abouhalima’s Legal Claims.261
1. Interests of Justice.261
2. Alleged Newly Discovered Evidence of Perjured Testimony.261
a Evidence that Williams Perjured Himself and the Prosecution’s Alleged Knowledge Thereof.262
b. Independent Evidence of the Defendants’ Guilt. 262
II.Abouhalima’s Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Claims.263
A. Trial Counsel’s Failure to Argue American Involvement in Abouhalima’s Alleged Torture in Egypt.263
1. Abouhalima’s Affidavit.265
2. The “Salem Tapes”.266
a. Salem’s Alleged “Double-Agent” Status.268
b. Salem’s Alleged Knowledge of Abouhalima’s Travels, Arrest and Incarceration in Egypt.269
c. The FBI’s Alleged Knowledge of Abouhalima’s Whereabouts an d Effort.273
B. Trial Counsel’s Failure to Move for Suppression of Evidence Seized from Abouhalima’s Apartment.275
1. Issuance of the Search Warrant.275
2. Lack of Probable Cause.276
3. Overbroad Execution.277
C. Alleged Violations of the Vienna Convention.278
III.Abouhalima’s Newly Discovered Evidence Claims.280
A. Co-Conspirators’ Post-Arrest Statements.280
B. Photographs of Abouhalima Revealing His Alleged Torture.284
1. The Airplane Photos.284
2. The MCC Photos.285
AJAJ’S MOTION .285
I. Alleged Newly Discovered Evidence Regarding Ajaj’s Departure to Pakistan.287
A. Summary of the Evidence at Trial.287
B. The Alleged Newly Discovered Evidence.287
1. Ajaj’s Work in University Services.287
2. Ajaj’s Conflict with Militant Muslims.289
3. Ajaj’s Departure to Pakistan.290
II. Alleged Newly Discovered Evidence Regarding Ajaj’s Activities in Pakistan.290
A. Summary of the Evidence at Trial.290
B. The Alleged Newly Discovered Evidence.291
1. Witnesses Regarding Ajaj’s Work in University Services.291
2. The Stamps in Ajaj’s Passport.292
3. Ajaj’s Alleged Innocent Efforts to Return to the United States.293
III. Alleged Newly Discovered Evidence Regarding Ajaj’s Return to the United < ) I
A. Summary of the Evidence at Trial.... '. TP O*