Denial

Lawyers for Dino Bouterse have denied that their client was involved in any terror plot and have accused the United States of fabricating evidence against the son of Suriname’s President, Desi Bouterse. “Mr. Dino Bouterse is not, and never has been a supporter of any terrorist organization and never intended to render aid to such an organization.  “The charges alleged in the indictment were initiated, instigated and invented by the United States government without any involvement of any terrorist or cartel organization and are an insult to our client and the good people of Suriname,” the lawyers said in a statement here. United States law enforcement officials Friday announced that they had charged Bouterse of “attempting to support a terrorist organisation”. Manhattan District Attorney Preet Bharara said that Dino Bouterse, 41, who is already facing cocaine and weapons trafficking charges, was planning to support the Hezbollah, the Shi’a Islamic militant group and political party based in Lebanon, in launching attacks on the United States.  “Today we add an additional charge of attempting to support Hezbollah to Dino Bouterse’s alleged crimes connected to a cocaine-smuggling conspiracy. We will be relentless in our efforts to pursue and prosecute those who seek to support terrorist organizations,” he added.  If found guilty of the terrorism charge, the President’s son could face 15 years in prison, in addition to the  mandatory minimum term of 40 years in jail if he is convicted on the weapons and illegal drugs charges.

Courtesy: www.cananewsonline.com