BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Uzbek refugee accused of terrorism-related crimes in Idaho and Utah has new lawyer who has handled some of the region's highest-profile federal cases. A federal judge appointed Charles Peterson to take over Fazliddin Kurbanov's defense.

The 30-year-old Kurbanov has pleaded not guilty to charges including helping teach people to build bombs. Peterson's resume includes successfully defending Randy Weaver against charges of murdering a federal agent during what became an 11-day standoff in 1992 on northern Idaho's Ruby Ridge.

In 2004, Peterson helped win freedom for a University of Idaho student from Saudi Arabia, Sami Al-Hussayen, who faced charges including working for a group funneling money to terrorists. Peterson didn't return a call Tuesday. Kurbanov's former federal defense lawyer withdrew after citing budget cuts that have sapped his office's resources.

 

 

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