New Delhi: In his first reaction on David Headley's sentencing, Minister of External Affairs Salman Khurshid told CNN-IBN in an exclusive interview that India would have sought a longer jail term for 26/11 Mumbai attacks conspirator, had he been tried in India. He, however, added that he was satisfied with the prison term extended to him by the US.
"If we would have tried him, we would have sought more. But the judge is bound by the structured system of justice delivery in the US. The judge has taken into account the maximum. It's a beginning," he said.
On the thorny issue of Headley's extradition to India, he said while India has been pushing for it, he could not speculate on the matter, adding that India was pursuing a dialogue with the US on it.
He, however, added that it was "good to know" that "given the circumstances.. he has been made accountable".
He further slammed Pakistan for not doing "anything close to what (India) wanted" on the terror issue.
Headley sentenced to 35 years in prison
David Coleman Headley was sentenced on Thursday to 35 years in prison for the key role he played in the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai. Headley, 52, whose meticulous scouting missions facilitated the assault by 10 gunmen from a Pakistani-based militant group, which killed 160 people - including children.
"I don't have any faith in Mr Headley when he says he's a changed person and believes in the American way of life," said US District Judge Harry Leinenweber in imposing the sentence, which was in the range of what prosecutors had requested for Headley's widespread cooperation.
- US: 26/11 accused David Headley sentenced to 35 years in jail
- 'Remorseful' Headley wrote to judge ahead of sentencing, claimed he was a changed man
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