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BERLIN: A German-Syrian dual national who has admitted belonging to Al-Qaeda has been convicted of membership in a terrorist group and given a prison sentence of four years and nine months. The Frankfurt state court also found Monday that Rami Makanesi trained at an Al-Qaeda paramilitary camp in Pakistan's lawless border region.
Judge Thomas Sagebiel said the defendant cooperated fully with investigators - opening the way for a plea deal under which prosecutors and the defense agreed to a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The 25-year-old was arrested in Pakistan in June 2010. He was extradited two months later. Prosecutors said Makanesi was planning to return to Germany to raise funds for Al-Qaeda and also be in place for terrorist operations if needed.
Judge Thomas Sagebiel said the defendant cooperated fully with investigators - opening the way for a plea deal under which prosecutors and the defense agreed to a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The 25-year-old was arrested in Pakistan in June 2010. He was extradited two months later. Prosecutors said Makanesi was planning to return to Germany to raise funds for Al-Qaeda and also be in place for terrorist operations if needed.
