Jazz Bassist Tarik Shah Seeks to Rebuild Career After Terrorism Conviction

When Tarik Shah was released from prison in 2018, he had not played the double bass for 13 years, and arthritis had taken a toll on his fingers.

At 62 years old, Shah, once a prominent bassist in New York’s jazz circuit four decades ago, refused to give up on his passion. He rented a bass, sought guidance from a classical instructor, and carefully practiced to protect his fragile fingers.

Pursuing a livelihood as a jazz musician is challenging under any circumstances. Rebuilding a career after spending more than a decade in prison on terrorism-related charges presents even greater obstacles. Shah was arrested in 2005 and subsequently pleaded guilty in 2007 to charges involving plans to teach martial arts to individuals linked to Al Qaeda.

Authorities presented evidence including Shah’s own statements to undercover agents describing his life as a musician as the perfect cover for jihadist activities, alongside recordings of his pledges of allegiance to the terrorist organization.

Despite these accusations, Shah maintains that federal agents entrapped him and that his guilty plea was a result of despair following more than two and a half years in solitary confinement while awaiting trial.