Widows Of Bin Laden Land In Jail

The widows of former Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden were sentenced by a Pakistani court for illegal entry and residence in Pakistan. They were sentenced to be jailed for 45 days. The conviction also included two of Bin Laden’s daughters. 

The women have been detained since May 2011 following the assault of US Navy Seals on Bin Laden’s compound last year. The same compound served as their residence for six years. 

They were formally arrested by Pakistani authorities last March 3. Because the conviction also includes credit for time served, the women would have to serve only two weeks in prison. After the jail time, they will be sent back to their countries. 

Two of Bin Laden’s widows are Saudi nationals while one is Yemeni.

Mohammed Amir Khalil, their family laywer, said that the Yemen government agreed for the deportation of one of the widows. He, however, is still in talks with the Saudi government and whether they will consent to receiving the two widows.

The Pakistani court also required the women to pay the fine of $100 each.

Last year, US commandos entered Pakistan and assaulted a compound in Abbottabad. Intelligence reports showed that this has been the base camp of the Al Qaeda leader.

Pakistani officials were outraged by the assault because they were not informed about it prior to the incident. Officials also denied any knowledge that Bin Laden was in the country.

The assault, which lasted for just an hour, led to the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Tagged Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan, terrorism