Headley will testify in 26/11 case, says his attorney

David Headley, the Pakistani-American Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorist serving a 35 year jail term in the United States, would testify before a Mumbai court through video conference in the 26/11 case, his attorney said on Friday.     

“I have seen the reports (about TADA court asking that he be produced via video-conference on December 10). Headley will comply with the terms of his plea agreement, which is a public document,” John T Theis said.

Under the guilty plea which he entered in March 2010, Headley agreed that when directed by the US Attorney’s Office he will fully and truthfully testify in any foreign judicial proceedings held in the US by way of deposition, video-conferencing or letters rogatory.

Headley is currently serving 35 years in an American prison after being convicted of being involved in the planning and execution of the Mumbai terrorist attacks on November 26, 2008 in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.

As per the guilty plea, now it is up to the US Department of Justice to issue such a direction to Headley to testify before the court in Mumbai.

Under the guilty plea, Headley agreed that, when directed by the United States Attorney’s Office, he will fully and truthfully participate in any debriefings for the purpose of gathering intelligence or national security information.

Headley further agreed that, “When directed by the United States Attorney’s Office, he will fully and truthfully testify in any foreign judicial proceedings held in the United States by way of deposition, videoconferencing or letters rogatory.”

Headley also agreed to the postponement of his sentencing until after the conclusion of his cooperation.

Headley reportedly visited India five times between 2006 and 2008, drew maps, took video footage and scouted several targets for the attacks including the Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel and Nariman House.

His reconnaissance provided vital information for the 10 LeT terrorists and their handlers.

A court in Mumbai on Novemebr 19 had made Headley an accused in the 26/11 terror attack case and directed that he be produced before it via video-conferencing on December 10.