RICHMOND (Sputnik) — Russian national Irek Hamidullin, suspected of fighting alongside Taliban militants in Afghanistan, never fired at US citizens, US Public Defender Rob Wagner stated during the hearing on Friday.
Irek Hamidullin has been charged on 12 counts, including provision of material support to terrorists, attempt to murder a US citizen and to destroy an aircraft of the US armed forces, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, among others.
“He never fired his weapon. The magazine was full,” Wagner said as cited by RIA Novosti. “He never intended to fire his weapon.”
The attorney added that the prosecution fails to prove its charges.
US forces in Afghanistan captured him after he allegedly participated in the 2009 attack on US troops and Afghan border police at a military base.
A verdict is expected next week. If convicted, Hamidullin faces a potential penalty of life in prison.
