3 convicted in Fort Dix plot want life sentences thrown out

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Three Albanian-born brothers serving life for plotting to kill U.S. soldiers at Fort Dix, N.J., insist they were barred from testifying at their 2008 terrorism trial and asked a judge today to throw out their life sentences.

Dritan "Tony" Duka, 37, said his lawyer thought he would come across as a Muslim extremist and therefore didn't prepare for him to testify.

"It shouldn't matter what I believe. It should matter whether I'm in the conspiracy or not, whether I'm involved in what the government is charging," Duka said.

Duka and his brothers, Eljvir and Shain Duka, have lost their appeals, but argue in post-conviction petitions that they were denied the right to testify. Their trial lawyers deny the accusations and are testifying for the government.

Dritan Duka's trial lawyer, Michael Huff, said he feared his client's desire to express religious views and his suspicion that the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks might be "an inside job, in order to persecute Muslims" would prove damaging.

"Within five words, coming out of Mr. Duka's mouth, he wanted to talk about the anti-Christ," Huff said, recalling their trial preparations. "I'm not judging those thoughts, but I would have to think about ... how a jury might perceive those beliefs."