Kent woman accused of sending money to terrorists released on own recognizance

KENT -- A 44-year-old Kent woman accused of sending money to an al-Qaida-linked terrorist group was released Wednesday from federal custody on her own recognizance pending her trial in Virginia.

The defendant, Hinda Dhirane, is facing 23 federal counts, including conspiracy and supporting terrorists.

Dhirane is one of three people arrested in an international sweep and charged with aiding terrorists overseas.



After a lengthy international investigation, federal agents allege Dhirane, and a Virginia woman, directed a network composed primarily of women who provided covert, electronic monthly payments, usually in installments of $50 to $100, to the terrorist group al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida.

Dhirane's husband, Rashid Jamabarhadle, was in court last week to support his wife.

He says there’s no way the mother of his children could be part of such a conspiracy.

"That’s a lie. I can’t believe that. I can’t believe that,” Jamabarhadle said then.

No would would answer the door at Dhirane's Kent home Wednesday. Some of her neighbors said they wished authorities would keep her in custody.