Former Congressman Mark Deli Siljander, Shame on You
A former congressman and delegate to the United Nations was indicted Wednesday on charges of working for an alleged terrorist fundraising ring that sent more than $130,000 to an al-Qaida supporter who has threatened U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan.Mark Deli Siljander, a Michigan Republican when he was in the House, was charged with money laundering, conspiracy and obstructing justice for allegedly lying about being hired to lobby senators on behalf of an Islamic charity that authorities said was secretly sending funds to terrorists.
The 42-count indictment, unsealed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., accuses the Islamic American Relief Agency of paying Siljander $50,000 for the lobbying — money that turned out to be stolen from the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The charges paint “a troubling picture of an American charity organization that engaged in transactions for the benefit of terrorists and conspired with a former United States congressman to convert stolen federal funds into payments for his advocacy,” Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Wainstein said.
Siljander, who served in the House from 1981-1987, was appointed by President Reagan to serve as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations for one year in 1987.
1. I’d be interested in seeing whether or not this former Congressman receives anything more than a slap on the wrist
2. Wonder what defense his lawyer is going to create for this?
8 Responses “Former Congressman Mark Deli Siljander, Shame on You”
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Back in the early years of this country, they would have been getting a noose ready for this suspected trader.
Got keep up with this to see how it plays out
Former Congressman Mark Deli Siljander, Shame on You
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Dear Lynn,
I am sure that you are familiar with the expression “Innocent until proven guilty”.
“Shame on you” for what exactly?
He has a right, just like you, to have an opportunity to be legally represented in a court of law wherein all the evidence against him would be put before a jury of his peers, and after which he would either be adjudged guilty or not guilty of the charge(s) brought against him.
To presume otherwise is ill-advised,to say the least, per your “shame on you” headline.
Rollo,
They have a ton and a half of evidence stacked against your pal.
My pal? Thanks for making me laugh this morning anyway.
As for stacked evidence against a rich white dude, well, we shall see come trial time.
I’m happy you are here, Rollo. I can see you plan on keeping me on my toes.
Lynn
@ Rollo
Of course he is innocent until proven guilty, but based on what has been reported people have a right to form their own opinions. Shame on this apparent traitor!
What about all the good he has done in fostering peace with the Muslim world? Have your read his book? It sounds as if he is practicing the instructions of Jesus to “love your enemies”.
He says the State Department did not like him making friends with the enemy, because that is not their way of doing things. Could all these charges against him have been set-up by his real enemies?
Glenn Coon,
Um….LOVE your last name. Wink – wink