Cleric's defense unclear in Fla. terror trial

Defense witnesses uncertain for Muslim cleric in Fla. terrorism support trial

Published On: Feb 15 2013 01:48:37 PM EST
MIAMI -

A federal judge in Miami wants to know how the defense plans to go forward in the trial of an elderly Muslim cleric accused of supporting the Pakistani Taliban.

Witnesses for 77-year-old Hafiz Khan began to testify earlier this week via live video feed from Pakistan, but that ended when the transmission was mysteriously cut off. Alternatives included moving the witnesses to the United Arab Emirates and having some of them travel to the U.S. to testify.

U.S. District Judge Robert Scola is holding a hearing Friday on the issue. The trial itself is scheduled to resume Tuesday one way or the other.

Khan is accused of funneling some $50,000 to the Pakistani Taliban terrorism organization. Khan's defenders say the money was for innocent purposes.

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