Times Square suspect waives arraignment right

New York, May 6: Faisal Shahzad, the Pakistani-American held in the failed Times Square bombing, has forfeited his right for an early arraignment and is cooperating with the authorities in providing information related to the plot.

Shahzad was detained at JFK International Airport in New York by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), two-days after the failed bombing in Times Square.

He had already boarded an Emirates flight to Dubai enroute to Pakistan when he was nabbed.

Following his arrest, seven more suspects were arrested across Pakistan, where he is said to have received training in bomb-making.

"The disclosure that Shahzad has waived his right to a speedy arraignment suggests that he is continuing to provide valuable information," the New York Times said.

Shazad is unilkey to appear in the court on Thursday, May 6.

As per the law, a person who is arrested for federal crime must be produced before a judge and be made aware of his or her rights and the charges against them within a reasonable period of time - generally 24 hours or 48 hour.

However, the right can be waived by a defendant.

The case is being prosecuted by Indian-American Preet Bharara of the Manhattan United States attorney's office.

On May 5, 41-year-old, Bharara said "the dedicated agents, detectives and prosecutors in this case will continue to follow every lead and use every tool to keep the people of New York City safe."

He also promised that they will do everything possible to get rid of terror elements.

"We will not rest until every terrorist, whether homegrown or foreign-based, is neutralised and held to account," he said.

After the foiled bomb attack, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has asked Homeland Security for more finance to protect New York.

"If anybody questions what the target is, it is always New York," he said. "This is where the terrorists come and we need Homeland Security funds".

OneIndia News