Testimony in enemy combatant case to continue

PEORIA – An admitted al-Qaida agent who spent years behind bars will have to wait another day to find out how much longer he’ll be in prison.

A sentencing hearing for Ali al-Marri is scheduled to continue today in Peoria.

During testimony Wednesday, an Air Force psychologist told the court she believes al-Marri is capable of future violence.

Defense lawyers questioned the basis for her assessment.

Al-Marri was arrested in December 2001 while a graduate student at Bradley University in Peoria. He pleaded guilty in May to conspiring to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.

Lawyers for the 44-year-old argue he was held under unusually tough conditions at a South Carolina Navy brig. They contend that should be considered in the sentencing.

Prosecutors said he deserved the maximum 15-year sentence.