Terrorism
Lawyers Wrangle Over Bin Laden Video
Defense lawyers for Jose Padilla have asked a judge to bar a videotaped interview of Osama bin Laden from the trial of their client.
Prosecutors counter that the Cable News Network video helps show the intent of Padilla and two co-defendants, accused of supporting al-Qaida in a conspiracy. They say the co-defendants discussed the 1997 video before and after it aired, showing they supported bin Laden’s goals.
U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke indicated in a hearing on Tuesday that she is concerned about the prejudicial nature of the video, Associated Press reports.
She will decide on Thursday whether to allow jurors to see the interview.
