ALEXANDRIA (USA), Jan 24: “American Talib” John Walker was ordered held without bond in his brief first appearance in federal court here on Thursday.

Dressed in a green prison-issue jumpsuit with the word “Prisoner” stamped on the back, a visibly haggard Walker quietly responded “yes, I understand. No, I don’t have any questions” when asked if he understood the charges filed against him.

Walker is accused of conspiracy to kill US nationals and providing material support to terrorist groups and could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted. He also faces charges of engaging in prohibited transactions with the Taliban.

US Magistrate Weldon Sewell ordered that Walker, 20, shorn of hair and sporting a two-day growth of beard, remain in federal custody and scheduled hearings for Feb 6.

US Attorney Paul McNulty said conditions of Walker’s detention would be worked out then, when Walker is also expected to enter his plea.

In remarks to reporters following the brief 14-minute court session in a building tightly-ringed with a heavy security presence, McNulty dismissed contentions by Walker’s defence team that he had not had ample opportunity to confer with lawyers prior to his court appearance.

Walker, who had been in US military custody for several weeks following his capture in a bloody prison riot in Mazar-i-Sharif in November, had waived his right to counsel in writing before submitting to questioning by US FBI agents, the government has maintained.

“He is being provided... the full panoply of rights, and that includes right to counsel,” McNulty said. “He has very competent counsel and we will work through the issues in due course.”

But attorney James Brosnahansaid the case against Walker was unsound and should be thrown out because of numerous violations of judicial rules.—AFP