Trial of two alleged female jihadists put on hold

Any future trial of the two American women facing terrorism charges in an alleged Jihadist plot against a Swedish artist will be delayed months as prosecutors and defense attorneys sift evidence from a dozen computer hard drives.

Both Colleen Larose, 46, also known as 'JihadJane'; and Jamie Paulin-Ramirez, 31, appeared briefly in U.S. District Court today at hearing to declare the case "complex" and to approve a government request to apply security laws to the handling of evidence.

There were no objections from defense attorneys, and U.S. District Court Judge Petrese B. Tucker approved both motions.

LaRose, who last lived in Pennsburg, Montgomery County, reportedly has been cooperating with government agents. Her attorney, federal public defender Mark Wilson, said after a hearing that a plea agreement was not a given. "There is still a possibility my client will go to trial," he said.

Under federal secrecy rules, Tucker will screen the evidence and decide what can be turned over to the defense for use at a public trial.

Ramirez, from Colorado, once again did not speak in court as the judge asked if she understood the proceedings. She shook her head or nodded as Tucker asked if she understood the proceedings or had any questions.

Her defense lawyer, Jeremy Ibrahim, said he did not want the government to record her voice as some of the evidence against her may involve voice recordings obtained through government wiretaps.

LaRose was jailed in October, and Ramirez earlier this year, after they returned from Europe. Ramirez returned voluntarily.