Undercover Cop at 'Ground Zero Mosque' Complicates NYC Terrorism Case
The New York Police Department gave a ticket to an undercover cop at a protest against the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" last year, which has caused problems for lawyers of two suspected terrorists, the New York Daily News reports.
The news was revealed when Manhattan prosecutors discussed a possible conflict of interest at a court appearance for two men accused of a terrorist plot to attack New York City synagogues.
Lamis Deek, a lawyer representing one of the suspects, had earlier been contacted for representation by the undercover cop, referred to as "UC 242," after he was given a summons for refusing to show a police officer his badge during the protest.
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"UC 242" never showed up to court and the charges were dropped. However, "UC 242" is the lead undercover cop in the case against Ahmed Ferhani and Mohamed Mamdouh, causing prosecutors to claim there is a conflict of interest because Deek has represented both sides of the court case.
The Christian Post (CP) asked Deek if she believes this was intentional on the part of the NYPD.
"I can't say if it was done on purpose," Deek said. "But it is some kind of posturing. They [the NYPD] were basically trying to send a message."
Despite the conjecture of the NYPD attempting to intimidate Deek, the attorney insists it will not have an impact on the case going forward.
The NYPD chose not to comment on the case.
According to an earlier article by the NY Daily News, prosecutors claim that Ferhani, 26, and Mamdouh, 20, planned to dress up as Hasidic Jews, walk into a synagogue and "slaughter" worshippers.
Cops also said that Ferhani considered blowing up the Empire State Building and a Queens church.
The men, who live in the borough of Queens, each face up to 25 years in prison on terror-related charges if convicted.
