The FBI is holding attorney Brandon Mayfield of Beaverton, Oregon, after his fingerprints were identified on evidence connected to Madrid train bombings. Mayfield's previous claim to fame was in legally representing Jeffrey Leon Battle, one of the "Portland Seven" who attempted to travel to Afghanistan after 9/11 in order to fight alongside the Taliban against the United States. According to Portland lawyer Tom Nelson, Mayfield will be represented by a public defender.
As I blogged a few hours ago myself, this arrest makes me highly suspicious. (Of the government, that is).
Why?
Posted by: Matto Ichiban at May 8, 2004 01:01 PMDidn't see the question until just now.
I am suspicious because I am a proud American, and the historical foundation of my country has given me instincts to view with skepticism the exercise of unchecked power wherever it exists, such as here. I haven't said the government's charges are baseless or false. All I've said is that I am suspicious. Every American should be.
More concretely, though, my reason for suspicion is the DOJ's track record over the past few years, combined with the lack of information it is providing the public about any additional evidence it has about Mayfield. Are you aware of a particular reason why he was arrested, as opposed to simply being surveilled?