Prosecutor warns New York jurors not to fall for London cleric's testimony at terrorism trial
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Defense attorney Jeremy Schneider says prosecutors took Mustafa's words out of context. He urged jurors to put aside emotions and acquit.