Jury hears opening arguments in trial of radical Muslim cleric
Reuters
2014-04-17
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Trainer of terrorists or orator of fiery rhetoric?
A U.S. jury heard opening arguments Thursday in the trial of a radical Muslim cleric.
Abu Hamza al-Masri is accused of trying to set up a jihadist training camp in Oregon, aiding militants in a deadly 1998 hostage operation, and providing aid to al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Kim told the court that Hamza's goal was clear, simple and vicious: train terrorists.
Hamza's defense, however, said he never participated in criminal activity.
Instead, Defense Attorney Joshua Dratel told the court that Hamza was only guilty of using inflammatory rhetoric.
The trial is expected to last one month.
A U.S. jury heard opening arguments Thursday in the trial of a radical Muslim cleric.
Abu Hamza al-Masri is accused of trying to set up a jihadist training camp in Oregon, aiding militants in a deadly 1998 hostage operation, and providing aid to al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Kim told the court that Hamza's goal was clear, simple and vicious: train terrorists.
Hamza's defense, however, said he never participated in criminal activity.
Instead, Defense Attorney Joshua Dratel told the court that Hamza was only guilty of using inflammatory rhetoric.
The trial is expected to last one month.
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