Feds urge 25-year sentence for man who supported terrorists, but defense calls that too harsh

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Federal prosecutors say a British citizen who pleaded guilty in Connecticut to supporting terrorists through websites should get a 25-year prison sentence.

Prosecutors say in court papers filed this week that Babar Ahmad (BAH'-bar AH'-mahd) supported Chechen fighters, the Taliban and al-Qaida with websites that sought cash, military equipment and personnel. They say the websites were among the first of their kind and call his support "robust, far-reaching and virtually unparalleled."

Ahmad's attorney says the 10 years his client already spent in prison are enough punishment, saying he was trying to help Muslims under attack in Bosnia and Chechnya and deeply regrets his support for the Taliban in Afghanistan.

He says the case is being closely watched in the Muslim world to see if a fair sentence will be imposed in July.