(The Epoch Times)—A federal appeals court on April 21 rejected a convicted al-Qaeda terrorist’s bid for a reduced sentence over his role in a thwarted bombing plot targeting Manchester, England—linked to other planned attacks in the United States and Denmark—affirming that a lower court acted within its discretion by denying a new sentencing hearing.
In a summary order issued Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit sided with the U.S. government, finding that a district court judge was justified in denying the resentencing proceeding for Abid Naseer, a Pakistani national convicted in 2015 for conspiring to provide material support to al-Qaeda and other crimes.
Naseer was originally sentenced to 40 years in prison. In 2022, U.S. District Judge Raymond Dearie vacated one of Naseer’s convictions—using a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence—after the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the legal definition of such crimes in United States v. Davis.
As a result, the court reduced Naseer’s sentence from 40 years to 30 years but declined to conduct a full resentencing hearing.
The Second Circuit’s April 21 ruling affirms the revised 30-year sentence and rejects Naseer’s argument that he should have been resentenced from scratch. The court concluded that the district judge’s long-standing familiarity with the case and the absence of new mitigating factors made a full hearing unnecessary.
Naseer’s case—tried in Brooklyn federal court following his extradition from the United Kingdom—stemmed from his role in a 2009 plot to detonate explosives in a crowded shopping center in Manchester, England. U.S. prosecutors described the attack as part of a coordinated, three-pronged terrorist operation targeting Western cities, with linked plots aimed at the New York City subway system and a newspaper office in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Naseer was arrested in the UK in April 2009, just days before the planned Manchester attack. During his 2015 trial, British intelligence officers testified under disguise to protect their identities, and Naseer represented himself in court, preparing his defense from jail.
“This al-Qaeda plot was intended by the group’s leaders and Naseer to send a message to the United States and its allies,” Robert Capers, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a Nov. 24, 2015, statement on the day a judge handed down Naseer’s 40-year punishment. “Today’s sentence sends an even more powerful message in response: terrorists who target the U.S. and its allies will be held accountable for their violent crimes to the full extent of the law.”
Although Naseer was not charged in the U.S. or Denmark plots, authorities alleged he communicated and coordinated with other al-Qaeda operatives involved in those planned attacks—making him part of the broader conspiracy.
After the reduction of his sentence to 30 years, Naseer asked the court to reduce his sentence to 15 years. He argued in his appeal that the district court had erred by not holding a full resentencing hearing.
But the appeals court found no abuse of discretion. Quoting Dearie’s resentencing decision, the panel noted, “Although Naseer’s counts of conviction now change with the vacatur of Count Ten, the conduct in which he engaged and for which this Court deemed a forty-year sentence appropriate, has not.”
The appellate judges also cited the district court’s finding that Naseer continued to show “no remorse” and offered no evidence of changed thinking that might reduce the risk he posed.
Naseer’s attorney, Randa Maher, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.
