US woman on 'jihad terror' charge

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A Pennsylvania woman in her late 40s has been charged with terror offences including using the internet to recruit militants for deadly attacks abroad.

Colleen LaRose - also known as Fatima LaRose and "Jihad Jane" - was arrested in Philadelphia in October 2009.

A federal indictment accuses her of agreeing to kill a Swedish citizen and travelling to Europe for this purpose.

However one of the prosecutors told the Associated Press the indictment did not link to any "organised terror groups".

A Department of Justice statement said Ms LaRose and five others "recruited men on the internet to wage violent jihad in South Asia and Europe, and recruited women on the internet who had passports and the ability to travel to and around Europe in support of violent jihad".

Ms LaRose, a US citizen born in 1963, is charged with "conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to kill in a foreign country, making false statements to a government official and attempted identity theft."

Attorney Michael Levy was quoted as saying Ms LaRose's appearance "was considered to be an asset because it allowed her to blend in."

He said the case "demonstrates that terrorists are looking for Americans to join them in their cause, and it shatters any lingering thought that we can spot a terrorist based on appearance".

If Ms LaRose is found guilty, she could face a life term in prison and a fine of $1m.

After she was arrested on 15 October, she made an initial court appearance but did not enter a plea, AP reported.