The Ashland man accused of plotting to blow up the U.S. Capitol and Pentagon pleaded not guilty yesterday and his lawyer claimed the government has made up its case against him.
Rezwan Ferdaus, 26, was held without bail until a detention hearing can be held later this month.
His lawyer, Catherine Byrne, said he is a target of an “orchestrated” case.
“This case was orchestrated and facilitated by the government,” she said before guiding a crying relative of Ferdaus’ through a crowd of reporters.
Byrne requested that Ferdaus’ bail hearing be held in a few weeks so she can prepare. The magistrate judge said it is a complicated case and agreed to postpone the hearing.
About a dozen family members and friends sat in the courtroom as Ferdaus was led in by guards.
They shouted “Hi Rez,” “We love you!” and “Hang in there.” He nodded and maintained a serious look on his face.
Also present was the father of Sudbury resident Tarek Mehanna, who was charged three years ago in a separate case with conspiring to provide support to terrorist organizations. He is set to go to trial later this month.
The government accused Ferdaus, a U.S. citizen, of planning to fly large, remote-controlled planes filled with plastic explosives into the government buildings.
