LETTER TO EDITOR: Math shows little mercy

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Rather than showing too much mercy to Ali al-Marri, Judge Michael M. Mihm imposed the maximum sentence (15 years) less nine months to reflect the abusive treatment to which al-Marri was subjected when first incarcerated in the U.S. Navy brig ("Too much mercy for Illinois terrorist," Editorial, Monday). That is, Judge Mihm did not sentence al-Marri to eight years in prison; he sentenced him to eight years in addition to the almost seven years he already has been incarcerated.

Reasonable minds can disagree on whether that constitutes sufficient punishment. At the very least, one should do the requisite math before offering an opinion on whether a respected federal jurist has imposed an appropriate punishment in a complicated case.

Disclosure: I am one of al-Marri's attorneys of record.

MARK A. BERMAN

Hartmann Doherty Rosa

Berman & Bulbulia LLC

River Edge, N.J.