Iraqi national pleads not guilty in 18 attacks in Europe, calling himself 'prisoner of war'
An Iraqi national accused of plotting 18 attacks in Europe has pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court. The defendant claimed to be a prisoner of war during the proceedings.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing international legal efforts to prosecute individuals accused of terrorism and militia-linked violence.
An Iraqi national accused of plotting at least 18 attacks in Europe in retaliation for the U.S. and Israel s war with Iran pleaded not guilty on Monday (May 1, 2026) before calling himself a “prisoner of war” and telling a judge that children and women were being killed “by your rockets.” Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi finally was persuaded to sit down in Manhattan federal court as two marshals approached him at a judge s urging. One marshal put his hand on his shoulder to guide him into his seat.
The report uses neutral, descriptive language to cover court proceedings.
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