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'Underwear bomber' denied new lawyer

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab as seen in a mug shot released by the U.S. Marshals Service on December 28, 2009. Abdulmutallab will not be entitled to a new standby lawyer. UPI/U.S. Marshals
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab as seen in a mug shot released by the U.S. Marshals Service on December 28, 2009. Abdulmutallab will not be entitled to a new standby lawyer. UPI/U.S. Marshals | License Photo

DETROIT, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- "Underwear bomber" Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is not entitled to a new standby lawyer, a federal judge in Detroit said Friday.

Abdulmutallab, who pleaded guilty to trying to blow up a plane as it approached Detroit on Christmas Day 2009, said Anthony Chambers, a Detroit defense lawyer, and his staff had failed to provide him with documents he needs to prepare for his sentencing, the Detroit Free Press reported. He also said Chambers has ignored him and has not visited him.

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"You are representing yourself," U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds told Abdulmutallab. "So, you're not even legally entitled to standby counsel. ... I would say Mr. Chambers and his staff have done an extraordinary job in advancing your representation in this matter -- far more than what standby counsel usually does and I see no reason to replace standby counsel."

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 16. Abdulmutallab could receive a life term.

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