In the middle of Joseph Farrokh's trial, a judge wants him to stay in jail. The Virginia man was accused of linking himself to the Islamic State and fight in Syria.
ABC News reported that Joseph Farrokh, 28, of Woodbridge was allowed to stay in his parents' house while the trial is ongoing. A GPS will be used to monitor his whereabouts while being detained in their house. However, a federal magistrate did not allow that to happen. He was not satisfied with the many conditions the pretrial services demanded.
According to Montana Standard, Farrokh was arrested on Jan. 15. He allegedly schemed with three other men who he thought can bring him to Syria. He was at the Richmond airport and was about to leave with the supposedly ISIS related men when he was captured. During the Thursday's hearing, the prosecutors said Farrokh is serious with his intentions and threats. Moreover, Farrokh explained to the undercover informants that he wanted to pass away a hero and kill his enemies like what ISIS is doing, as it was stated in court papers. Farrokh's lawyer countered those statements saying almost everyone say stupid things in their life.
The lawyer, Patrick Anderson, advised the judge to think sensibly of the situation. He explained that Farrokh is a Muslim who is very committed to his religion. He may have said some things that are out of hand but it does not mean he is a terrorist, Anderson clarified. He further elaborated on his point saying if each and everyone who has said something stupid will be jailed then the cells will be full. Yahoo News stated that Anderson said not to think about ISIS because often times, rational thinking is being thrown out of the window.
Prosecutor Dennis Fitzpatrick contradicted Anderson saying the government has the duty to protect its countrymen and one of its obligations is to indentify threats and terrorists. The government cannot just take what Farrokh said lightly. As according to Farrokh, the Islamic State loves killing and beheading people who opposes them.
The man who helped Farrokh to get to the airport was also charged. He is in custody and waiting for his trial planned for next week.
