Federal judge sentences Libyan militant for role in Benghazi terror attack

Mustafa al-Iman was sentenced to 19 1/2 years. He was essentially a look out during the attack on the embassy in Libya. The defense asked for 3 years, the prosecution asked for the full 35 years. al-Iman is currently 47 years old. With credits and time served, he is probably looking at actually serving about 15 more years.

Why would a “spontaneous protest” need a lookout?