Legal challenge to 'dirty bomb' arrest

The American citizen accused of plotting a "dirty" bomb attack in the United States has challenged the legality of his detention.


There aren't any formal charges and... the defence community is outraged

Defence lawyer Donna Newman
The arrest of Abdullah al-Muhajir on 8 May at Chicago's O'Hare international airport was announced by the US Government on Monday.

Representing Mr al-Muhajir, defence lawyer Donna Newman has filed a petition questioning the legal basis for classifying her client as an enemy combatant - a term which allows for his indefinite detention without trial.

"He is being detained without time limit, or the right to counsel. There aren't any formal charges and that is why the defence community is outraged," she said.