Peter Boylan of the Honolulu Advertiser covers the case of a scientist who is accused of leaking sensitive defense technology to China, and who could end up facing a death penalty.

Noshir S. Gowadia, a 62—year—old resident of Ha'iku, Maui, allegedly provided "substantial defense—related services for the People's Republic of China by agreeing to design and later designing a low observable cruise missile exhaust system nozzle capable of rendering the missile less susceptible to detection and interception," according to the U.S. attorney's office.

Details of the government's case against Gowadia were contained in a superseding indictment issued by a federal grand jury yesterday [Wednesday]. The new indictment specifically names the countries Gowadia allegedly worked with, including China, Switzerland, Germany and Israel, and details his alleged activities while overseas.

Gowadia is a naturalized American citizen born in Mumbai, India. Perhaps this fact has something to do with the obscurity in which this case is held by the media. Had he been of Chinese origin, perhaps the case would have been sensationalized as an insance of a witch hunt.

Gowadia faces up to life in prison or the death penalty "if certain statutory criteria are met" and fines totaling $250,000 and possible property forfeiture.

The potential for a death penalty will surely attract protest. I would welcome such attention because the underlying medium and long term threat from China remains substantial. Islamic terror is an immediate threat, but it is far from the only problem we face.

Hat tip: Bryan Demko

Thomas Lifson  11 10 06