Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab To Represent Himself
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, aka the Brief Sharif, appeared in court on Monday and told the judge he had fired his lawyers and wanted to represent himself (1).
The following is for members of the bar who may appreciate the ironic humor: if he doesn't file any motions pertinent to his case, wouldn't that make him a "lawyer without brief?"
In addition, (I can't stop myself): isn't it lucky that Umar was able to fire his attorneys but not his weapon?
When asked if he thought he could do a good job defending himself, Umar replied, "It depends."
But defending yourself when a life sentence is on the line makes one ask, "What the Farouk is he thinking?"
I know that other bloggers will be putting out similar bits of humor even though this case is not a laughing matter, but I believe people like Umar should be ridiculed.
ENDNOTES
(1):
Bloomberg News, Accused Underpants Bomber Asks to Defend Himself
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, accused of the Christmas Day attempt to blow up a Northwest Airlines plane with explosives hidden in his underpants, told a judge that he wants to defend himself in court.
“I prefer to represent myself,” he told U.S. District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds at a hearing today in federal court in Detroit.
Edmunds asked Abdulmutallab if he wanted different attorneys appointed.
“Any representation I would have, there would always be a conflict of interest,” the defendant replied.
Edmunds dismissed Abdulmutallab’s previous attorneys at the hearing, saying she would appoint another lawyer as stand-by counsel within the next week.
Abdulmutallab, a 23-year-old Nigerian citizen, faces six criminal counts including attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, attempted murder and trying to wreck an aircraft. He pleaded not guilty before a federal magistrate on Jan. 8.
Disclaimer: I am not receiving any commission on any underwear sold by the owner of the photo above.
