American Taliban Lindh to be Released  05/23 06:16

   TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) -- The California man who became known as the 
"American Taliban" after his capture on an Afghanistan battlefield in late 2001 
is on the cusp of release from prison.

   Thirty-eight-year-old John Walker Lindh is scheduled for release Thursday 
from the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana. He has spent more than 17 
years in prison after pleading guilty to providing support to the Taliban.

   The plea deal called for a 20-year sentence, but Lindh is getting out a few 
years early for good behavior.

   His release is opposed by the family of Mike Spann. He was killed in 
Afghanistan during an uprising of Taliban prisoners. Spann had interrogated 
Lindh shortly before the attack.

   A judge recently imposed additional restrictions on Lindh's post-release 
supervision, including monitoring of his internet use.


(KA)