By Luc Cohen
NEW YORK, June 1 (Reuters) – An alleged member of an Iran-backed militia pleaded not guilty on Monday to U.S. criminal charges he was involved in multiple attacks against American interests in Europe, proclaiming in a courtroom outburst, “I am not a criminal.”
Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi spoke in Manhattan federal court after his lawyer, Andrew Dalack, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf to eight counts including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia the U.S. considers a terrorist organization.
“I am not guilty and we are in a war situation,” Al-Saadi said through an Arabic interpreter.
“Children are being killed by your rockets,” Al-Saadi added, gesturing in front of him toward where U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon and prosecutors with the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office were seated.
Al-Saadi did not say if he was referring to a specific incident.
A February 28 strike at a girls’ school in Iran killed more than 175 children and teachers, Iranian officials say.
Reuters has reported that an initial, internal U.S. military investigation showed U.S. forces were likely responsible, citing two U.S. officials.
The Pentagon has not acknowledged any preliminary findings. A Pentagon spokesperson said on Monday the investigation was still ongoing.
Al-Saadi wore a beige prison outfit and was shackled at his feet at Monday’s hearing.
As he spoke, McMahon raised her voice and ordered he be seated. Two U.S. marshals who had been sitting behind Al-Saadi approached the defense table, and he sat down as they arrived.
Al-Saadi was taken into U.S. custody in Turkey last month, amid heightened U.S. scrutiny of Iran-backed militias accused of targeting American personnel and allies across multiple regions since the U.S. and Israel went to war against Iran.
U.S. prosecutors say Kata’ib Hezbollah is directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
They said Al-Saadi helped plan approximately 18 attacks in Europe in recent months, not all of which occurred, and in March and April plotted attacks in the United States, including against a New York synagogue.
(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Alistair Bell)
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