Witness issue slows Fla. terror support trial

Defense in Fla. terror support trial can't get Pakistani witnesses, seeks video depositions

Published On: Jan 29 2013 10:16:56 AM EST
MIAMI -

The defense in the terrorism support trial of an elderly South Florida imam is having trouble getting witnesses to travel from Pakistan to testify.

A Miami federal judge will hear arguments Tuesday on whether to allow video depositions to be taken of six witnesses unable to make travel arrangements in time from Pakistan. The judge is already allowing video testimony from five other defense witnesses who refuse to travel from Pakistan.

Federal prosecutors are opposing the latest video statements. But attorneys for 77-year-old imam Hafiz Khan say they're essential to show phone conversations were not about terrorism.

Khan is on trial for allegedly funneling at least $50,000 to the Pakistani Taliban, listed by the U.S. as a terrorist group. Khan insists the money was for innocent purposes.

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