Accused al-Qaida conspirator Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani is competent to stand trial, Southern District of New York Judge Lewis A. Kaplan ruled Thursday.
Ghailani, who is set to go on trial Sept. 27 for his role in the 1998 bombings of U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed 224, both understands the nature and consequences of the proceedings in question and is able to assist in his defense, Kaplan said. Referring to a court-ordered psychiatric exam and other evidence, the judge added that the defendant is also competent to waive his right to appear in court, which he has done repeatedly.
