Iran's authoritarian government is an opaque, brutal theocracy with a long record of aiding terrorism.

On 2 August 2009, police announced that he had been charged with sedition, aiding terrorism and conspiracy.

If convicted on all counts, including conspiracy to aid terrorism, he faces at least 20 years in jail.

"But the fundamental question is, has Libya completely stopped aiding and abetting terrorism in every way."

Prisoners, including those convicted of aiding terrorism, are freed when foreign pressure demands it.

The defendants were not accused of aiding terrorism in the United States.

Anyone who aids terrorism, citizen or alien, should be prosecuted.

Three other people have so far been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting terrorism.

He was charged with aiding terrorism, and faced the death penalty, although investigators conceded they "did not have much evidence" linking him to the bombing.

The tribunals would hear cases against noncitizens accused of aiding and abetting terrorism.