Declaring the threat of bioterrorism is no joking matter, Attorney General John Ashcroft said yesterday that those who fake anthrax or other terrorist scares will face federal prosecution. He announced the indictment of one such man in Connecticut. For the smuggler of weapons, explosives or drugs, technology presents a formidable barrier.
Sensors can locate contraband inside luggage or traces of it on a traveler's documents or clothes.
French open probe into terror suspect Man in U.S. custody. With Iran condemning the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, U.S. lawyers asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit by the ex-hostages held captive for 444 days from 1979 to 1980, when Iranians overran the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. A top justice official said it appears Ukraine is responsible for downing a Russian jet this month and Russia is considering turning the criminal case over to Ukraine to determine who is to blame. Bishops applauded Pope John Paul II and wished him many more years as pontiff as he began the 24th year of his papacy yesterday. John Paul was greeted as he walked into the morning session of a monthlong meeting of the world's bishops in the modern Synod Hall.