Iranian convicted on federal charges for air rage incident

Airline Industry Information, Dec 10, 2001

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2001 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

An Iranian man accused of threatening to "kill all Americans" while onboard an Air Canada flight in September was convicted of federal charges by a jury on Thursday (6 December).

Javid Naghani maintains that he never made the threat and he now faces a potential ten-year prison sentence. His attorney has indicated that he is considering an appeal.

Naghani, who was convicted of interfering with flight crew, was allegedly caught smoking in an in-flight toilet and became aggressive when confronted by crew members. He allegedly made the comment that he would "kill all Americans," which was reported to the captain. The Air Canada flight was then flown to Los Angeles International Airport with a fighter jet escort. Naghani is also said to have later told a police officer, "F--- America, f--- (President George W) Bush. If I had a .45 right now I'd shoot you," Reuters reported.

Naghani`s attorney described his client as a nervous flyer and heavy smoker who was mistreated by an over-reactive flight crew.

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