Cary man ruled not mentally competent in terrorism case
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A federal judge has ruled that an accused terrorist from Cary is not mentally fit to stand trial.
Prosecutors say Basit Sheikh tried to join a militant group linked to al-Qaida.
He was arrested at Raleigh Durham International Airport on November 2, 2013 trying to board a plane for Lebanon.
Sheikh is charged with providing material support to a terrorist group.
He is being held at a secured housing unit in Butner. A judge ordered him to the mental facility there in January.
His defense and federal prosecutors have been wrangling for months over his mental competency.
In June of 2014, he was found competent to stand trial, but his defense requested a second mental evaluation.
It was determined that he suffers from Schizophrenia. His defense attorney said Wednesday that he is now refusing medication.
Prosecutors are requesting Sheikh be involuntarily medicated to restore his competency to stand trial.
"He remains psychotic," said public defender Joseph Gilbert. "He is not accepting medication voluntarily."
According to court documents, Sheikh has cut off contact with his family and refuses to leave his cell.
