(5 Aug 2009) HEADLINE: Judge raises questions in NC terror prosecution
CAPTION: A federal judge ordered six North Carolina men accused of plotting holy war to remain in custody Wednesday but raised scathing questions about the strength of the case federal prosecutors are pushing. (Aug. 5)
[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]
NB. THIS IS A VOICEOVER TRANSCRIPT, NOT A FULL SHOT LIST.
[Notes:VO -- CELL PHONE VIDEO AND WEAPONS PHOTOS]
This is just some of the evidence that federal prosecutors plan to use to convict a group of north carolina men of plotting to instigate holy war overseas -- a suspect firing his weapon -(pause) - a cache of small arms -- (pause) -- a gas mask -- (pause) and ammunition.
A federal judge listened to prosecutors spell out their case and ordered the six of the suspects to remain in custody -- but he also expressed serious concerns about the strength of the government's case.
Prosecutors are relying on the statements of unnamed witnesses -- and secret audio recordings like this one (PAUSE FOR NATSOUND) purporting to show the suspects practicing with weapons and talking about participating in jihad.
However, as prosecutors made their final argument about keeping the men behind bars -- the judge questioned them closely and appeared skeptical about the credibility of a government witness.
[Notes:VO -- PEOPLE GOING INTO HEARING]
Some of the court witnesses, who showed up to support the suspects, say the prosecutors evidence didn't seem very strong.
[Notes:SOT -- Shagufta Syad, 37, Apex. N.C.]
"I didn't hear anything that shows what the allegations are...it wasn't hard concrete evidence."
[Notes:SOT --Khalilah Sabra, Director of the N.C. Peace and Justice Coalition]
"he'd have to give a really compelling reason why someone charged with terrorism out...so it's pretty well predicable."
[Notes:VO --]
A total of seven suspects have been jailed in connection with the alleged overseas terror plot.
Authorities believe an eighth suspect is still at large in Pakistan.
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