Death penalty not sought as Headley cooperated: US

New Delhi: The US Friday said its justice department decided against seeking death for David Headley because he cooperated with law enforcement authorities over the 26/11 Mumbai attack. Pakistani American Headley, who played a key role in the 2008 attack, received a 35-year jail term Thursday.

Referring to the sentence without parole of Headley, a US embassy statement said: "It reflects both severe punishment for Headley's role in the heinous 26/11 crimes and a decision by the US Department of Justice not to seek the death penalty.
"This decision was taken because of Headley's willingness to cooperate with law enforcement authorities -- American, Indian and others -- to help bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent other terrorist attacks."

It said Headley provided information that was of substantial value "in our efforts to combat international terrorism and to save lives". Citing instances, it said Headley testified against a co-conspirator, Tahawwur Rana, who is serving a 14-year sentence.