"Jihad Jane" pleads not guilty

A Pennsylvania woman, who was perceived to be leading a normal life has been charged with plotting to kill a Swedish artist. She apparently tried to recruit fighters via the Internet, using the pseudonym "Jihad Jane," to commit violent attacks overseas. (Photo: CCTV.com)
Colleen R. LaRose, the so-called Jihad Jane, pleaded not guilty Thursday in a quick hearing to charges that she conspired with foreign terrorists to kill a Swedish cartoonist.

Colleen LaRose, 46-year-old female, lives in Pennsburg in eastern Pennsylvania. She was charged with conspiring with Jihadist fighters and pledging to commit murder overseas.

Wearing tight braids in her dirty-blonde hair and a green jail uniform, LaRose appeared in a Philadelphia courtroom.

She pleaded not guilty in Philadelphia to four counts indictment.

Aside from responding "not guilty," LaRose remained silent during the brief arraignment.

A trial was set for May 3. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a 1-million dollar fine.

Also Thursday, the Philadelphia Inquirer, citing anonymous sources, reported that LaRose confessed to the FBI about her role in the plot.

Source:Xinhua/Agencies