Iran-Backed Militant Pleads Not Guilty to US Charges, Claims ‘Not a Criminal’

An alleged member of an Iran-backed militia pleaded not guilty on Monday to US criminal charges that he was involved in multiple attacks against American interests in Europe. Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi spoke in Manhattan federal court after his lawyer, Andrew Dalack, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf to eight counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia the US considers a terrorist organization.

“I am not guilty, and we are in a war situation,” Al-Saadi said through an Arabic interpreter. “Children are being killed by your rockets,” he added, gesturing toward where US District Judge Colleen McMahon and prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney’s office were seated.

A February 28 strike at a girls’ school in Iran killed more than 175 children and teachers, according to Iranian officials. Reuters has reported that an initial, internal US military investigation showed US forces were likely responsible, citing two US officials. The Pentagon has not acknowledged any preliminary findings; a Pentagon spokesperson said on Monday that the investigation was still ongoing.

Al-Saadi wore a beige prison outfit and was shackled at his feet at Monday’s hearing. As he spoke, McMahon raised her voice and ordered him to be seated. Two US marshals who had been sitting behind Al-Saadi approached the defense table, and he sat down as they arrived.

Al-Saadi was taken into US custody in Turkey last month amid heightened US scrutiny of Iran-backed militias accused of targeting American personnel and allies across multiple regions since the US and Israel went to war against Iran. US prosecutors say Kata’ib Hezbollah is directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. They said Al-Saadi helped plan approximately 18 attacks in Europe in recent months, not all of which occurred, and in March and April, plotted attacks in the United States, including against a New York synagogue.