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Thursday, July 21, 2011

[chottala.com] U.S demands Bangladesh extradite Taliban-trained militants



Hundreds of Bangladeshi recruits have joined the Jihad in Afghanistan, which overthrew the pro-west Mujahideen government.
The United States has demanded extradition of Bangladesh-born militants who were recruited and trained by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
clearpxl
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina raised the issue Wednesday with the ruling Awami League's central working committee. She also hinted at external pressure to hand over the suspects.
Hasina assured U.S. officials that her government would take necessary steps to nab the suspects, who are still at large.
The suspected jihadists, according to intelligence sources, returned to Bangladesh through clandestine routes soon after the U.S.- and British-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
Hundreds of Bangladeshi recruits have joined the jihad in Afghanistan that overthrew the pro-West Mujahideen government.
Senior Pentagon officials, through diplomatic channels, have submitted a list of Bangladeshi militants and demanded the extradition of those suspected militants now living in Bangladesh.
Since the government led by the pro-secular prime minister swept to power more than two years ago in Bangladesh, scores of self-proclaimed Jihadists who boasted to have fought with the Taliban have been arrested.
Earlier, Bangladesh pledged to the United States and Britain to support the "war on terror" and have received high profile counter-terrorism training.
Afghanistan-trained militants are a security threat to Bangladesh's tolerant and secular Muslim majority, according to political scientist Professor Imtiaz Ahmed of state-owned Dhaka University.




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[chottala.com] Probe disappearances, unresolved killings during Zia regime : জিয়ার আমলে 'নিখোঁজের' সংখ্যা জানার তাগিদ



 

1977-78 Executions in Army

Probe disappearances, unresolved killings

Lifschultz spurs govt at Taher's death anniversary

LawrenceLifschultz2.bmp
Lawrence Lifschultz
Staff Correspondent

The government should survey the disappearances during mass executions in Bangladesh military in 1977 and '78, said renowned US journalist Lawrence Lifschultz yesterday.

"The current government should conduct a survey among the families of the missing to determine who died and where their mortal remains are laid to rest," the journalist said.

While delivering his speech as the key speaker at a discussion marking the 35th death anniversary of Col Abu Taher in the Teacher-Student Centre auditorium of Dhaka University, Lifschultz said an independent commission should be established to investigate the disappearances of people during that period.

"Such a commission should be established and funded to investigate these disappearances and many unsolved killings that still have not been resolved," he said.

Lifschultz quoted different local and international newspapers which had reported about the killings of hundreds of army personnel by firing squads and by hanging in 1977 and '78.

About the High Court verdict on Col Taher murder case, he said it was a historic moment for Bangladesh and an emotional moment for Taher's family.

In a verdict on March 22 this year, the High Court said Col Taher's execution was a cold-blooded murder given the shape of the trial as per then military ruler Ziaur Rahman's plan.

In 1976, Lifschultz was in Bangladesh and tried to cover the secret trial of Taher in Dhaka Central Jail. He was in front of the jail entrance during the trial as he was not allowed to enter. Later, the then military ruler forced him to leave the country and imposed a ban on his further arrival in Bangladesh, said a source in Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal.

He came to Bangladesh once before in March this year and gave his deposition in Taher murder case before the HC.

He again came on July 19 on Col Taher Sangsad's invitation to commemorate Taher on his death anniversary.

The US journalist said the incident of Taher's murder was a part of Bangladesh's missing history, and the HC verdict established justice.

Addressing the discussion, JSD President Hasanul Haque Inu said the people involved in Taher's murder should be brought to book.

Presiding over the discussion, Justice Ghulam Rabbani said Taher was a symbol of the anti-communal force, and a democratic Bangladesh can be established through implementing Taher's ideologies.

Col Taher Sangsad organised the discussion.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=195259

Lifschultz wants 'other Tahers' traced
 

জিয়ার আমলে 'নিখোঁজের' সংখ্যা জানার তাগিদ

Thu, Jul 21st, 2011 10:02 pm BdST
 
LawrenceLifschultz2011-07-21-22-02-34-lawrence%20lifschultz.jpg
ঢাকা, জুলাই ২১ (বিডিনিউজ টোয়েন্টিফোর ডটকম)- প্রয়াত রাষ্ট্রপতি জিয়াউর রহমানের আমলের নির্দিষ্ট একটি সময়ে 'নিখোঁজ' সামরিক কর্মকর্তার সংখ্যা বের করতে জরিপ করা উচিত বলে মনে করেন লরেন্স লিফশুলৎজ।
খ্যাতনামা এ সাংবাদিক বলেছেন, "১৯৭৭-৭৮ সালে হারিয়ে যাওয়া সেনা কর্মকর্তাদের পরিবারের মধ্যে বর্তমান
সরকারের একটি জরিপ করা উচিত; যাতে কীভাবে তারা মৃত্যুবরণ করেছেন বা কোথায় তাদের সমাহিত করা
হয়েছে তা চিহ্নিত করা হয়।"
 

"এ জন্য একটি স্বাধীন কমিশন গঠন করা যেতে পারে। কমিশন অনুদ্ঘাটিত মৃত্যুর ঘটনাগুলো বের করবে।"

কর্নেল আবু তাহেরের ৩৫তম মৃত্যুবার্ষিকী উপলক্ষে বৃহস্পতিবার সন্ধ্যায় আয়োজিত এক আলোচনা সভায় মূল প্রবন্ধে
এ কথা বলেন লিফশুলৎজ।
১৯৭৫ সালের ১৫ অগাস্ট সেনাবাহিনীর একদল বিপথগামী সদস্য বঙ্গবন্ধুকে সপরিবারে হত্যার পর সেনাবাহিনীতে
অভ্যুত্থান-পাল্টা অভ্যুত্থান চলে। এরই এক পর্যায়ে জিয়াউর রহমান ক্ষমতা নেওয়ার পর কর্নেল তাহেরসহ ১৭ জনকে
সামরিক আদালতে গোপন বিচারের মুখোমুখি করা হয়।
 
১৯৭৬ সালের ১৭ জুলাই রায়ের পর ২১ জুলাই ভোরে কর্নেল তাহেরের ফাঁসি কার্যকর করা হয়। ফাঁসির পর নেত্রকোনার কাজলায় পারিবারিক গোরস্তানে তাহেরকে দাফন করা হয়।
 

গত ২২ মার্চ রিট আবেদনের প্রেক্ষিতে হাইকোর্ট তাহের হত্যাকে অবৈধ বলে রায় দেয়। কথিত ওই বিচারের বৈধতা
নিয়ে করা চারটি রিটের প্রেক্ষিতে এ রায় হয়।

তাহেরের গোপন বিচার চলাকালে লিফৎশুলজ ফার ইস্টার্ন ইকোনোমিক দক্ষিণ এশিয়া প্রতিনিধি হিসাবে তৎকালীন
ঘটনা প্রবাহ নিয়ে প্রতিবেদন করতে বাংলাদেশে আসেন।

তাহেরের ওই বিচার চলাকালে তিনি ঢাকা কেন্দ্রীয় কারাগারে অবস্থিত গোপন ট্রাইব্যুনাল নিয়ে প্রতিবেদন লেখার চেষ্টা করেন। ভেতরে ঢুকতে ব্যর্থ হয়ে তিনি কারাগারের বাইরে অবস্থান নেন। পরে সরকার তাকে ধরে নিয়ে দেশ
থেকে বহিষ্কার করে।


ওই বিচার প্রসঙ্গে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ তথ্য দিতে পারেন- এই বিবেচনায় রিটের শুনানির সময় তাকে আদালতে বক্তব্য দিতে
অনুরোধ করে হাইকোর্ট।

'আশা করি মির্জা ফখরুল কথা বলবেন'


ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের ছাত্র শিক্ষক মিলনকেন্দ্র টিএসসিতে কর্নেল তাহের সংসদ আয়োজিত বৃহস্পতিবারের আলোচনা সভায় লিফশুলৎজ বলেন, "তাহের হত্যা অবৈধ ঘোষণা করে দেওয়া হাইকোর্টের রায় ছিল আক্ষরিক অর্থেই
ঐতিহাসিক। এটা আধুনিকতা ও সভ্যতার পথে বাংলাদেশের এক গুরুত্বপূর্ণ অগ্রগতি।"
 
"তাহের ছিলেন একজন অসাধারণ ব্যক্তিত্ব। তার জীবন কাহিনী বর্তমান প্রজন্মের মাঝে ছড়িয়ে দেওয়া উচিত।
যাতে তারা এর থেকে অনুপ্রেরণা পেতে পারে।"
 
মার্কিন এই সাংবাদিক বলেন, "তাহের হত্যার রায় দেওয়ার পর বিএনপি নেতা এমকে আনোয়ার বলেছিলেন, 'সরকার একজন
বিদেশি সাংবাদিককে ভাড়া করে এনেছে।' তখন আমি তাকে ফোন করে কথা বলতে চেয়েছিলাম। তিনি কথা বলতে
চাননি।"  "পরে বিএনপির তৎকালীন সিনিয়র যুগ্ম মহাসচিব মির্জা ফখরুল ইসলাম আলমগীরও এক সমাবেশে এ কথা
বলেছিলেন,"
জানিয়ে লিফশুলৎজ বলেন, "এবার বাংলাদেশে এসে আমি মির্জা ফখরুল ইসলাম আলমগীরকে ফোন করেছিলাম।
আশা করছি, তিনি কথা বলবেন।"
আলোচনায় জাসদ সভাপতি ও তাহেরের সঙ্গে অভিযুক্ত হাসানুল হক ইনু, হায়দার আকবর খান রনো ও গোলাম
রব্বানী বক্তব্য দেন।

কর্নেল আবু তাহের বীর উত্তম ১৯৩৮ সালের ১৪ নভেম্বর আসামের বদরপুরে জন্মগ্রহণ করেন।
১৯৭১ সালের ২৫ মার্চের গণহত্যার প্রতিবাদে স্টাফ কলেজ থেকে পদত্যাগ করেন। ১৯৭১ সালের ২০ জুলাই মেজর এম এ মঞ্জুর, মেজর জিয়াউদ্দিন এবং ক্যাপ্টেন পাটোয়ারিকে সঙ্গে নিয়ে পাকিস্তানের অ্যাবোটাবাদ থেকে পালিয়ে
সীমান্ত অতিক্রম করে ভারত যান তাহের।


মুক্তিযুদ্ধে ১১ নম্বর সেক্টরের কমান্ডার ছিলেন। ১৪ নভেম্বর (জন্মদিনে) ঢাকার প্রবেশদ্বার কামালপুরের শত্র" ঘাঁটিতে আক্রমণ
চালানোর সময় আহত হন তাহের। তার বাম পা বিচ্ছিন্ন হয়ে যায়।  

http://www.bdnews24.com/bangla/details.php?cid=2&id=165671&hb=top

 Taher_Book_Cover_shahaduz1.jpg

 Related:

=====================================================

Zia set Taher's fate before trial: Lifschultz

 
Thursday, February 3, 2011
 
 
LawrenceLifschultz.bmp
Lawrence Lifschultz
Star Online Report

US journalist Lawrence Lifschultz has said Ziaur Rahman decided to execute Col Taher before formation of the military tribunal that held his trial later.

Then a former journalist of the Far Eastern Economic Review, Lifschultz made the statement in response to a High Court (HC) request for his version on the trial of Col Abu Taher in 1976, which he had covered.

Lifschultz sent the statement to the HC through the attorney general's office.

Taher was tried and executed violating the existing law, principle and fundamental rights, he said.

Additional Attorney General MK Rahman read out the statement before the HC bench of Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik and Justice Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain.

The bench is hearing the writ petition that challenged the martial law regulation under which the military tribunal was formed and sentenced Taher to death.

The AG's office received the statement from Lifschultz through an e-mail on Wednesday.

Lifschultz also said he wanted to take an interview of Ziaur Rahman over the trial but Zia did not allow him to meet.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=28285

 Taher_imagesCAGTIU9Z.jpg
 
  • Taher trial illegal

    The trial and execution of freedom fighter Col Abu Taher in 1976 was masterminded by the then-chief martial law administrator, Gen Ziaur Rahman, the High Court said yesterday declaring the military tribunal and the trial illegal and unconstitutional.

    Read Full Story
  • Family for posthumous trial of Zia

    Family members of Col Abu Taher have demanded posthumous trial of Ziaur Rahman for killing him in the name of trial.

    Read Full Story
  • Moudud's contempt move rejected

    The High Court yesterday rejected senior BNP leader Moudud Ahmed's verbal request to issue a suo moto contempt of court rule against The Daily Star, for publishing a report on his recent statement before the court about the trial and execution of Col

    Read Full Story
  • Zia executed Taher 'under pressure'

    A tremendous pressure from some repatriated army officers had forced Ziaur Rahman to try and execute Colonel Abu Taher through a military tribunal in 1976, senior BNP leader Moudud Ahmed told the High Court yesterday.

    Read Full Story
  •  
     
     
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    [chottala.com] Re: Slanderous rumors against Dr.Dipu Moni ----- false propaganda by NetZero Anwar !!!!



    To add up here with Morshed Khan.
    He became FM due his background of his family & wealth..not merely with good education background..used to have little background fm japan ..but that background didn't work since Japanese are very careful on dignity..Can't make any Mafia thoughts in biz with them looking into my assignments for last 15 yrs...On the other hand his only son (Name need not to mention but once our class mate..Later Kornodhar of Arab BD bank/City cell..both of the orgs are in problem now)..could not complete graduation fm US though Morshed khan sent him for higher studies..Same gang of Yuvraj but smarter !!!
    Hai Hai Bangladesh...people are not aware of many Ex-ministers belongs to BNP/Jamaat...Need eye-opener...like-wise to see LED-3D movies, require special glass !!!!!!

    NetZero is in fact knowledge Zero , just know cut/paste fm other place , sit in PC for hours n hours n spread propagandas!!! wasting time..


    From: Syed_Aslam3 <syed.aslam3@gmail.com>
    To: Khobor <khabor@yahoogroups.com>; notun Bangladesh <notun_bangladesh@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 6:47:33 AM
    Subject: Slanderous rumors against Dr.Dipu Moni ----- false propaganda by NetZero Anwar !!!!

    Mr. Anwar
     
    You clearly have a Jaundiced Eye view about Dr. Dipu Moni ..... you are out and out
    an BNP activist and all you see is narrow Hawa Bhobon centered BNP-interest with
    Koko-Tarek ibn the middle.....Your only aim is to undermine the AL-government.
     
    You have failed produce the actual comment attributed to Ambassador Susan Rice 
    with plausible links .....[Ambassador Susan Rice's name has only been mentioned
    in the slanderous article manufactured in BNP-Jamaat propaganda factory with malicious
    intentents ...............]
     
    There is no denying of the fact that Dr. Dipu Moni is well accomplished academically,
    and her performance as the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh is well above the mark,
    considering the ground reality of South Asla and our neighbours ..
     
    You have earlier recommended that Dr. Dipu Moni should be re-assigned as Health
    Minister based on the fact that in the beginning of her career she obtained her first
    degree in medicine and surgery (MBBS).
     
    FYI, the academic degree of Mr. M. Morshed Khan (BNP foreign Minister November 2001 to Octber 2006) is only a Bachalors' in Engineering .... How come he was made the Foreign
    Minister not a industry or transportation minister ?
    BTW, majority of BSF border killing happened during Morshed Khan's tenureship (about 600)...Madam Khaleda with her lieutenant Mr. M. Morshed Khan also failed totally to protect Bangladesh's  national interest from India .........
     
    SA
     
     
     
    On Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 11:53 AM, Mohiuddin Anwar <mohiuddin@netzero.net> wrote:
     

    Mr. Aslam,
     
    I do strongly believe that,  that you are a blind admirer of Dr. Dipu Moni. You have every right to do that.
    Like many anti-BAKSALI's  and independents,  I believed the story , came out regarding the visa refusal issue against Dr. Dipu Mioni. If you donot believe that,  that is your right, I agree.
    I know the difference between U.N. and U.S. The said conference is organized by U.N. but the invitees has to apply for U.S. visa to attend the U.N. conference that needs U.S. visa not U.N. visa. Even if Dr. Dipu Moni had five years U.S. multiple visa(like most M.P'ss of Bangladesh) the delegates(some call them Adom) accompanying Dr. Dipu Moni needed U.S. visa as I understand.
    If you donot believe Ambassador Susan Rice's commment as publised you please  contact her office for an answer. I believed the story therefore, I donot want to contact her office.
    How strongly Dr. Dipu Moni tackled Indian killings at Indo-Bangla border most Bangladeshis knew it very well, ask any Bangladeshi you will get an answer.
    It's true that, after all she is the 'only' qualified Parliamenterian to lead the Foreign MInistry of Bangladesh, most other  Awami MP's aren't even qualified to lead this Ministry. I agree hundred percent.
     
    Thanks again.
     
     
     

    ---------- Forwarded Message ----------
    From: Syed_Aslam3 <syed.aslam3@gmail.com>
    To: khabor@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Slanderous rumors against Dr.Dipu Moni ----- false propaganda by Jamaat /BNP.......
    Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:24:09 -0400

    Mr. Mohiuddin Anwar
     
    1. The issue was whether a person trained as a medical doctor can contribute in the
        national affairs: Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, (who held the office of Prime Minister
        of Malaysia for 22 years from 1981 to 2003) is a direct proof.
     
    2. You have failed provide the actual comment by Ambassador Susan Rice with proper
    reference as such your statement  is proven to baseless and is a part of your false propaganda.
     
    You have also mixed up UN with US government in this context.
     
    3.  Your statement "She did not protest a single killing yet" is also false.
     
    4. You are essentially slandering against Dr. Dipu Moni and spreading false rumors.
        It seems that you hold a grudge against her?
     
    Thanks
     
    Syed Aslam
    On Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 12:19 AM, Mohiuddin Anwar <mohiuddin@netzero.net> wrote:
    Mr. Aslam,

             If Dr. Dipu Moni personaly chosen the Foreign Ministry, I have nothing to say about it. Of course Foreign Ministry is more powerful than Health Ministry in Bangladesh. She has chosen the better one. There is no way to compare great Dr. Mahathir Mohammad the father of modern Malayasia with Our 'iinefficient 'foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni. In Bangladesh we saw even Medical Doctors taking the job of Magistrate and civil service as BCS cadre job ,that is very unfortunate. Doctors shoud treat  the patients not serve as Magiustrate or other civil service jobs. It is unfortunate for a developing country like Bangladesh.
            We Saw how Dr. Dipu Moni negotiated with India. How she tackled the daily killing of innocent Bangladeshis by Indian Hayena BSF. She did not protest a single killing yet. She failed totally to protect Bangladesh's  national interest from India. Her presence in UN conference (In USA)became unnecssary as quoted by Ambassdor Susan Rice. Most probably we won't see her in USA again during the Hasina rule. Of course if she had  obtained five years  multiple visa , she can visit USA privately not on official invitation from the U.S. government. This is my personal opinion and observation, you might not agree.
              Still I can say that Sheikh Hasina should change  the portfolio of Dr. Dipu Moni to the Healtrh Ministry for the greater interest of the peoples Republic of Bangladesh.


    Please note: message attached

    From: Syed_Aslam3 <syed.aslam3@gmail.com>

    Subject: Slanderous rumors against Dr.Dipu Moni ---- false propaganda by Ja maat /BNP.......
    Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:02:52 -0400



    Mr. Mohiuddin Anwar
     
    Since when you became a well wisher of Sheikh Hasina's  government ?
     
    At this moment, Dr. Dipu Moni is leading the Foreign Ministry, which very
    well fits her past  experience and background.
     
    Dr.A.F.M Ruhul Huq, present Health and Family Welfare Minister, (also a
    medical doctor with public health background) is quite competent for running the
    health ministry, considering the reality of Bangladesh.....
     
    What is the basis of your saying "Most Bangladeshis believe ....." ?
    (which seems to be your imagination)
     
    I am a concerned citizen, but, I don't want comment towards micro-managing
     the adminstration ...... Fair criticism is always welcome, not the baseless
    slanders and spreading false rumors through innuendoes ..
     
    As far as I have heard, the choice of foreign ministry was Dr. Dipu Moni's
    own preference and very consistent with her immediate past background (Prior to
    2009: Dr. Dipu Moni was  a Member of the Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee of the Party. additionally, she has fairly recent LLM degree from London University with emphasis on Law & diplomacy. Also she was a practicing lawyer).
     
    FYI, many physician all over the world played very constructive role in
    politics and national development:
     
    Dr.Mahathir bin Mohamad,  a Malaysian politician who held the post
    Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003, was a medical doctor by academic
    training.  There are many examples of doctors (or other professionals)
    serving the nation in a better capacity instead of devoting themselves
    in the field of their primary training.
     
    Thanks for your patience.
     
    Syed Aslam
     
     
     
    On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 1:07 PM, Mohiuddin Anwar <mohiuddin@netzero.net> wrote:

    Mr. Aslam,
     
    Bangladeshi nation spent thousands of tax payer taka for a medical student if he/she passes from government medical college. He/She should pay it back to the nation by serving the Bangladeshis as Doctor. That's a debt has to be  paid morally.
    I donot understand why Sheikh Hasina noiminated Dr. Dipu Moni to lead the Foreign Ministry. Most Bangladeshis believe that Dr. Dipu Moni's service could be more justifed if she was given Health Ministry. She is most suitable for this position because she has both M.B.B.S and M.P.H.
    In next reshuffle of the Ministry by Hasina government,  I think Sheikh Hasina might consider this fact. She(Dr. Dipu Moni)will be happy too.
    What's you opinion as a concerned citizen ?

    Thanks.
    M.A.
     


    ____________________________________________________________
    57 Year Old Mom Looks 27!

     


     





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    [chottala.com] Muslim Victim Calls On Texas To Spare Life Of His Assailant - Democracy NOW!



     
    Muslim Victim Calls On Texas To Spare Life Of His Assailant - Democracy NOW!
     
     

    Mark Stroman Executed: Texas Man Received Death Penalty For Killing Store Clerk

    HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- A Texas inmate was executed Wednesday for killing a Dallas-area convenience store clerk during a shooting spree that he said was in retaliation for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

    Mark Stroman, 41, was lethally injected shortly after his final court appeal was rejected. He was pronounced dead at 8:53 p.m. at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Huntsville Unit.

    Stroman claimed the shooting spree that killed two men and injured a third targeted people of Middle Eastern descent, though all three victims were from South Asia. It was the death of 49-year-old Vasudev Patel that put Stroman on death row.

    The lone survivor, Rais (Raze) Bhuiyan (Boo-yon), unsuccessfully sued to stop the execution, saying his Muslim beliefs told him to forgive Stroman. The courts denied his requests.

    From the death chamber, Stroman asked for God's grace and said hate in the world had to stop.

    "Even though I lay on this gurney, seconds away from my death, I am at total peace," he said. He later called himself "still a proud American, Texas loud, Texas proud."

    "God bless America. God bless everyone," he added, then turned to the warden and said: "Let's do this damn thing."

    The execution was briefly delayed as the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals considered a final appeal. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected appeals earlier Wednesday.

    In an unusual step, Bhuiyan had asked the courts to halt Stroman's execution. The native of Bangladesh and a former convenience store worker lost the sight in one of his eyes when Stroman shot him in the face.

    He also said he wanted to spend time with the convict to learn more about why the shootings occurred.

    "Killing him is not the solution," Bhuiyan said. "He's learning from his mistake. If he's given a chance, he's able to reach out to others and spread that message to others."

    A federal district judge in Austin rejected the suit and Bhuiyan's request for an injunction on Wednesday afternoon. His lawyers appealed the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Justice Antonin Scalia turned it down.

    Stroman's lawyer, in a separate appeal to the Supreme Court, pointed to Bhuiyan's "significant surprise" and argued that attorneys during Stroman's trial and in earlier stages of his appeals were deficient for not illustrating "the path that led him to this violent frenzy."

    Stroman's execution was the eighth this year in Texas. At least eight other inmates in the nation's busiest death penalty state have execution dates in the coming weeks.

    Stroman was free on bond for a gun possession arrest when his shooting spree started. He had previous convictions for burglary, robbery, theft and credit card abuse, served at least two prison terms and was paroled twice. His juvenile record showed an armed robbery at age 12.

    When police arrested him the day Patel was killed, they found the .44-caliber handgun used in the shooting. Stroman confessed, and court documents show he told authorities he belonged to the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist prison gang. Prosecutors also say he told another jail inmate about the shootings and how automatic weapons police found in his car were intended for a planned attack at a Dallas-area shopping mall.

    Stroman more recently denied the white supremacist description. He also had avoided trouble in prison in recent years, said Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman Michelle Lyons.

    Stroman blamed the shootings on the loss of a sister in the collapse of one of the World Trade Center towers – although prosecutors said in court documents there's no firm evidence she ever existed.

    "I wanted those Arabs to feel the same sense of vulnerability and uncertainty on American soil much like the mindset of chaos and bedlam that they were already accustomed to in their home country," he said on a website devoted to his case.

    He described his victims as "perched behind the counter here in the Land of Milk and Honey ... this foreigner who's own people had now sought to bring the exact same chaos and bewilderment upon our people and society as they lived in themselves at home and abroad."

    But he added he had made a "terrible mistake out of love, grief and anger" and had destroyed his victims' families "out of pure anger and stupidity."

    "I'm not the monster the media portrays me," he said last week from death row.

    Besides Patel's slaying, Stroman was charged but not tried in the shooting death of Waqar Hasan, 46, a Pakistani immigrant who moved to Dallas in 2001 to open a convenience store. Hasan was killed four days after the terrorists struck. The attack on Bhuiyan came a week later.

    ___

    Online:

    Related News On Huffington Post:

    Rais Bhuiyan, Victim of Post-9/11 Shooting Spree, Pleads To Spare Attacker Mark Stroman's Life

    Just weeks after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, a masked man stormed into the Dallas convenience store where Rais Bhuiyan, a Muslim immigrant from...
     

    Rais Bhuiyan, Victim of Post-9/11 Shooting Spree, Pleads To Spare Attacker Mark Stroman's Life

    Just weeks after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, a masked man stormed into the Dallas convenience store where Rais Bhuiyan, a Muslim immigrant from...
    Read more from Huffington Post bloggers:
    Tanya Greene

    Tanya Greene: Rais Bhuiyan: Another Irrelevant Victim?

    Rais Bhuiyan, a survivor of a vicious attempted homicide, has forgiven his would-be killer and wants to take advantage of Texas' victim-offender services to exchange ideas and heal wounds. But thus far, the state has not responded.

    Texas executes Mark Stroman over shooting spree

    San Francisco Chronicle - Michael Graczyk - ‎1 hour ago‎
    Huntsville, Texas -- A Texas inmate has been executed for killing a Dallas-area convenience store clerk as part of a shooting spree that he said was in retaliation for the Sept.
    WHTC - CBS News - Huntsville Item - Christian Science Monitor
     


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