Pakistani-American David Headley: 26/11 accused turns approver

dynamitenews.com
Mumbai / 8 Feb 2016. For the first time in India a court is conducting the prosecution of a high profile international terrorist by means of video-conferencing, that of David Coleman Headley who is currently in the US, but played a key role in facilitating the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The deposition video-conferenced deposition which began on Monday, will continue on Tuesday. 

Convicted for his role in the 26/11 terrorist attacks, Headley had been sentenced to 35 years in US prison, his home country, but will now receive a pardon for turning approver and providing crucial information regarding the terrorist activities connected to the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. 

As per the pardon deal made by India, Headley will be required to reveal the names of the persons involved in the terrorist activities of 26/11 and answer every question put forth by the prosecutor. Despite having identified the likely perpetrators of the terrorist attacks, Headley’s deposition can provide the evidence required to convict the suspected terrorists and give light on the role played by the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Headley deposition day 1:

A Pakistani American born with the name of Daood Gilani, Headley was influenced by Hafiz Saeed to join the Lashkar-e-Taiba Islamist organization. He wanted to participate in Kashmir linked activities but was sent to Mumbai instead.

In 2006, he changed his name to David Coleman Headley so that he could enter India freely in the guise of an American with no connections to Islam or Pakistan and carry out reconnaissance activities in India. 

He also met with Pakistani ISI officers Major Ali and Major Iqbal.

Headley entered India seven times before the Mumbai attacks and also helped smuggle firearms into the country. The Mumbai attack was attempted in September and in October before succeeding in the third attempt in November.

The deposition will continue on Tuesday from 7 am and will end by 12.30 pm.