The British shoebomb suspect Mr Richard Reid is almost certain to face the death penalty on charges of trying to blow up an airliner.
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Mr Richard Reid
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The 28-year-old Londoner is to be charged with attempting to blow up an American Airlines plane he was a passenger on with explosives hidden in his shoes.
The initial charges against Mr Reid, a petty thief who converted to Islam while in prison, had carried a sentence of up to 15 years if he was found guilty.
His charges came as US attorney-general Mr John Ashcroft revealed that Mr John Walker, the so-called American Taliban, could also face the death penalty.
Prosecutors filed charges against him on Monday, which will result in him leaving military custody on a warship in the Indian Ocean, and initially indicated that they would seek a life sentence for him.
He faces four counts, including conspiring to kill American citizens and aiding terrorism, based on statements he has given while being held after his capture by US forces.
Mr Ashcroft explained the about-face, saying: "We have not foreclosed charging other crimes against this individual should other evidence be developed or other evidence be made available."
Mr Reid has been held on remand at a prison near Boston since his arrest at the city's airport on December 22nd.
The pilot of the American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami diverted to Boston after passengers overpowered Mr Reid as he allegedly tried to light a fuse attached to the explosives he had concealed in his trainers.
AP