Closing Arguments Begin in Hamas-Financing Trial
By Associated Press | September 18, 2007
DALLAS — After two months of testimony, closing arguments began yesterday in the trial of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development and five of its leaders on charges of aiding terrorists, conspiracy, and money laundering. The defense says the foundation was helping ordinary Palestinian Arabs in need.
Prosecutor Barry Jonas told the jury yesterday that the Holy Land Foundation wasn't a normal charity at all. Authorities allege the foundation funneled more than $12 million to Palestinian schools and charities controlled by the militant group Hamas after the American government declared Hamas a terrorist group in 1995, which made supporting it illegal.
