New Faisal Shahzad Photo Released: Waives Right to Rapid Hearing

by Amy Judd | May 5, 2010 at 11:52 am

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CBS Has Released a New Photo of Faisal Shahzad and His Wife Huma Mian

CBS has obtained a new photo of Faisal Shahzad standing with his wife Huma Mian and some friends in Times Square, about 100 yards from the spot where he would leave an SUV with explosives in it before boarding a plane to Dubai.

It is thought the picture was taken anywhere from a year and a half to about two years ago.

This photo has surfaced just as Faisal Shahzad has waived his right to a speedy arraignment and did not appear in court on Wednesday May 5 according to The New York Times.

No court appearance has yet been scheduled for Faisal Shahzad, but according to the NYT, he has been very cooperative with authorities and has provided 'valuable intelligence' including telling the authorities that he received bomb-making training in Pakistan.

He has been charged on Tuesday with terrorism, but police are still investigating the alleged ties between Shahzad and terrorist groups in Pakistan, including the Pakistani Taliban.

If the role is confirmed, it would be the group’s first effort to attack the United States and the first sign of the group’s ability to strike targets beyond Pakistan or Afghanistan.

Why Would Faisal Shahzad Waive His Right to a Speedy Arraignment?

According to the NYT, this suggests that he still has valuable information for Preet Bharara, who is prosecuting the case. Under the law when anyone is arrested they have the right to be before a judge and told of their rights usually within 24 to 48 hours, but as Faisal Shahzad did, they can waive that right if they choose.

It is not known if Faisal Shahzad has a lawyer yet and no hearing has been scheduled at this time.