Rami Saba found competent to stand trial

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Thursday saw a strange day in federal court with a hearing for one of two men charged in the disappearance of a West Michigan man.

Prosecutors say Rami Saba and another man conspired to steal Donald Dietz's identity, then $443,000 from his bank account.

Dietz disappeared in 2007 and hasn't been seen since.

Thursday's hearing was to determine whether Rami Saba understood the charges, understood the way the court works and was mentally competent to stand trial.

Saba's attorneys argued something they called 'religiousity,' that Saba's religious beliefs may be grounded in mental illness. Saba himself says that is not the case.

Saba says that because he is a Muslim, he cannot work with his attorneys based on his beliefs.

A psychologist says Saba recently converted to Islam. In court Saba told a judge that he didn't think the competency case should proceed any further.

“I am being criticized for following my religious beliefs,” said Saba, adding that he felt “almost harassed.”

Saba says he listened with great distrust to the attorneys and psychologist who he says are arguing in ignorance of Allah.

“There is nothing I have said, done, or acted that is not based on the Koran,” said Saba. “It's available for anyone to check it.”

The psychologist who evaluated Saba in federal prison says he believes Saba is competent to stand trial.

Saba agrees, but says the only appropriate court is the court of Islamic law.

The judge found him competent to stand trial.