Chicago (AP) — A former Chicago University student was convicted on Monday for attempting to provide material support to an Islamic State group.
According to prosecutors, Thomas Osazinski, 22, designed computer code to help IS bypass programs designed to block publicity in the group.A former DePaul University student born in the suburbs of Chicago, when he lived in the suburbs of Chicago Arrested in 2019 FBI sting operation in progress. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
In his closing argument, his lawyer, Joshua Harman, said the case was centered around the right to free speech, and Osazinsky had the right to watch and share videos.
“It’s not illegal to like ISIS,” Harman said in court.
However, prosecutors alleged that Osazinsky worked in concert or under the direction of IS. Authorities said Osadzinski was proud of his communication about his computer skills and ability to speak Arabic, and was proud to use guns and explosives to escape authorities as needed.
Melody Wells, assistant US prosecutor, said Osazinsky was responding to the group’s instructions to support it “at the forefront of digital.”
Former Chicago College Student Convicted of Terrorism | National News
Source link Former Chicago College Student Convicted of Terrorism | National News
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