American who fought for Taliban freed early from US prison

[brooklynite]

Source: The Guardian

John Walker Lindh, the American captured in 2001 fighting for the Taliban, was released early from federal prison on Thursday morning, according to the Washington Post, which cited his lawyer.

Lindh was released despite concerns expressed by some US politicians that he may still pose a security risk.

Photographed as a bearded 20-year-old when captured in Afghanistan, the 38-year-old left a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, on probation on Thursday after serving 17 years of a 20-year sentence.

Lindh is among dozens of prisoners due to be released over the next few years after being captured in Iraq and Afghanistan by US forces and convicted of terrorism-related crimes following the 11 September 2001 attacks.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/23/john-walker-lindh-to-be-freed-from-us-prison-despite-security-fears

[pecosbob]

1. Why do I suddenly remember Willie Horton

I think this is going to piss off a lot of 'muricans.

[brooklynite]

2. But he's White...

[pecosbob]

3. There is that...

but I still see it as horrible optics for Trump.

[marble falls]

5. Worse than what he's already facing???

[Perseus]

12. If only the MAGA people were not blind

They seem to have blinders and ear buds when it comes to the buffoon.

[Eugene]

4. Pompeo expressed his righteous outrage on Faux News.

Pompeo slams release of "American Taliban" as unconscionable: Fox (Reuters)

John Walker Lindh: Anger as 'American Taliban' freed (BBC)

[pecosbob]

6. As did several noteable others

[cannabis_flower]

7. Isn't someone released from prison

released on parole and not probation?

[Jake Stern]

8. He served his time

It's all political.

[The Mouth]

9. Disgusting

They should have put him in general population.

Should have hung, actually.

[matt819]

10. Here's the problem, according to Americans on the right

A sentence is a sentence is a sentence. If someone is sentenced to 20 years and gets time off for good behavior - which has been a thing for a long time (forever?) - they are going to be released at 20 years, maybe sooner. You can't keep people locked up forever. Except at Gitmo, which is another issue.

Sure, it may suck. But that's what happens in a civilized country. You can't lock people up forever, even though you may want to. Heck, there are some people I wouldn't mind being locked up forever. But it doesn't happen. So let's stop bitching and moaning about it. If he's still a radical of sorts, so be it. If he acts on it, then he'll be arrested and, if convicted, go back to jail.

[Brother Buzz]

11. I'm actually cool with this

[SCVDem]

13. But if he were released

During Pres. Obama's terms they would have a shit fit!

IOKIFYAR!