3 Minn. men charged in terrorism case to remain jailed

Published 10:19 am Thursday, July 9, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS — A federal judge denied bail Wednesday for three Minnesota men accused of trying to join the Islamic State group.

But U.S. District Judge Michael Davis left the door open for future pretrial release for Hamza Ahmed, 20, and Zacharia Abdurahman and Hanad Musse, both 19, saying he’ll carefully consider plans designed to reintegrate them into the community.

The three men are among seven Minnesota residents charged this year with conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Their attorneys argued during separate hearings Wednesday that the men should be released pending trial under plans designed to steer them in a positive direction.

Email newsletter signup

The proposals, submitted at Davis’ request, were crafted by defense attorneys, Somali community members and religious leaders. They include options for housing, religious education, volunteering and other activities.

One of the plans had some merit and another was comprehensive, Davis said, but he added he didn’t want to do anything haphazard.