An Iraqi man accused of helping plan attacks on behalf of the Iran-backed militia Kata'ib Hezbollah pleaded not guilty on Monday (1 June) to U.S. terrorism-related charges, declaring in a New York courtroom that he was innocent and describing the allegations against him as part of wartime context.
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi entered a not guilty plea in federal court in Manhattan to eight criminal counts, including conspiracy to provide material support to Kata'ib Hezbollah, which Washington designates as a terrorist organisation.
Speaking through an Arabic interpreter after his lawyer entered the plea, Al-Saadi told the court, “I am not guilty and we are in a war situation.”
The defendant then interrupted proceedings, saying, “Children are being killed by your rockets,” while gesturing toward U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon and federal prosecutors.
McMahon ordered Al-Saadi to sit down as two U.S. marshals approached the defence table. The hearing then continued without further disruption.
U.S. prosecutors allege that Al-Saadi helped plan around 18 attacks targeting American interests in Europe in recent months, although they say not all of the plots were carried out.
According to the indictment, he also participated in discussions in March and April regarding potential attacks inside the United States, including an alleged plot targeting a synagogue in New York.
Prosecutors say Kata'ib Hezbollah operates under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Al-Saadi was transferred to U.S. custody in Türkiye last month amid intensified scrutiny of Iran-backed armed groups accused of targeting U.S. personnel and allies across several regions following the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Al-Saadi did not specify which incident he was referring to when mentioning children killed by rockets.
His remarks came months after a strike on a girls' school in Iran on 28 February that Iranian authorities said killed more than 175 children and teachers.
Reuters previously reported that a preliminary internal U.S. military investigation indicated American forces were likely responsible for the strike, citing two U.S. officials. The Pentagon has not publicly confirmed those findings and said on Monday that its investigation remains ongoing.
Al-Saadi appeared in court wearing a beige prison uniform and leg shackles. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence under U.S. counterterrorism laws.
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