US scientist faces death to plot to spy for “Israel”

Local Editor, 30-10-2009

Stewart Nozette, a leading US scientist who had worked at the White House and NASA could face capital punishment for offering to sell secrets to "Israel" for two million dollars, according to documents filed in federal court.

According to AFP, the ‘scientist', 52 years old, appeared in court Thursday for a hearing before a federal judge in Washington, on whether he should remain in detention after he was arrested in a sting operation involving an FBI agent posing as an "Israeli" official.

Nozette, arrested Monday, is charged with two counts of attempted espionage for allegedly trying to sell secrets to "Israel", according to court documents filed late Wednesday.

Based on the indictment allegations, "the maximum penalty the defendant faces, if convicted, is death," said the government filing supporting Nozette's continued detention pending trial describing the charges as "extremely treacherous and dangerous".

In Nozette's talks with the alleged "Israeli" agent, the scientist said he wanted "roughly two million dollars as compensation for his espionage."