Lone Woman in Terrorism Case Sentenced
The lone woman among a group of American Muslims who tried to ally themselves with the Taliban was sentenced Monday to three years in prison.
October Martinique Lewis, 26, was convicted of wiring money to her husband and a group of men who tried to cross into Afghanistan in 2001 to aid the Taliban in their fight against U.S. soldiers.
“My heart never internalized a hurt so bad that tears are insufficient to explain how it feels to be called a terrorist by my fellow Americans,” said Lewis, whose traditional Muslim garb covered all but her face. “Even so, I refuse to be bitter. Love and peace remain unyielding in my heart.”
U.S. Atty. Charles Gorder said the sentence reflected Lewis’ cooperation in the case, and would also send a message that, “it is not appropriate to send funds to people engaged in illegal acts.”
Last week, Lewis’ former husband, Jeffrey Leon Battle, and another man were given 18-year terms for conspiracy to levy war against the U.S.
Four other men accused of conspiring to travel to Afghanistan have pleaded guilty, and a fifth, accused ringleader Habis Abdulla al Saoub, 37, was killed in a shootout in Pakistan, according to the U.S. government.
The group only made it as far as China and never entered Afghanistan.
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