Qaeda Suspect Padilla Ruled Fit for Trial

MIAMI — A federal judge ruled yesterday that suspected Al Qaeda operative Jose Padilla is competent to stand trial on terrorism support charges, rejecting arguments that he was severely damaged by 3 1/2 years of interrogation and isolation in a military brig.

Mr. Padilla was in court when U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke announced her decision, but he showed no reaction.

"This defendant clearly has the capacity to assist his attorneys," Judge Cooke said just hours after she finished four days of competency hearings.

A trial is set to begin April 16.