The idea that such charges could be “purely political” is only reinforced by all the bungled terror-related trials we have seen. Here’s hoping this won’t be yet another one. From WFAA.com, :
The five Elashi brothers and their Richardson computer company InfoCom are accused of illegally exporting computer equipment to Libya and Syria.
InfoCom was raided by federal agents just before September 11. Originally the charges carried connections to terrorism, but the case has been split; the trial in Dallas now focuses on business practices.
One way or the other, the Elashi brothers say the charges are unfair.
“This is political,” said defendant Ghassan Elashi. “This is purely political.”
InfoCom’s sale of computer equipment to Libya and Syria would be illegal, government officials said, because of those countries’ terrorist connections. …
The defense already argues that all of the equipment sold could be bought at any computer store, and that it wasn’t sold to terrorist governments, but businessmen.