NEW YORK – A prosecutor is warning jurors in closing arguments at a New York terrorism trial not to be fooled by the testimony of the defendant, a London imam charged with supporting al-Qaida. Then a defense lawyer urged them to put emotions aside and realize his client is not guilty.
The contrasting accounts were offered Wednesday at the trial of Mustafa Kamel Mustafa (muh-STAH'-fuh kah-MEHL' muh-STAH'-fuh), who's accused of conspiring to support al-Qaida and aiding the kidnappers of 16 tourists in Yemen in 1998.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian McGinley says the 55-year-old Mustafa lied when he testified that he did not support terrorism. McGinley says he was trying to deceive jurors.
Defense attorney Jeremy Schneider says prosecutors took Mustafa's words out of context. He urged jurors to put aside emotions and acquit.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
