This story doesn’t mention it, but Ghassan Elashi founded the Texas chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR). You know, the group that controls what Americans must say and not say about Islam. “Brothers Found Guilty of Terrorism Support,” from AP, with thanks to LGF:
DALLAS – Three Dallas-area brothers were convicted Wednesday of supporting terrorism by funneling money to a high-ranking official in the militant Palestinian group Hamas.
Ghassan and Bayan Elashi and their company were found guilty of all 21 federal counts they faced: conspiracy, money laundering and dealing in property of a terrorist. Basman Elashi, who faced the same counts, was convicted of three counts of conspiracy but acquitted of the other charges.
The brothers, all born in the Middle East, were convicted the same day jurors began deliberating, after nearly two weeks of testimony, and are to be sentenced Aug. 1. Prosecutors said each count carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence….
Ghassan Elashi, free pending sentencing, left without commenting.
“It’s hard times for people of Middle Eastern descent,” said his lawyer, Tim Evans.
Yeah. I guess it was his “Middle Eastern descent” that made him decide to raise money for a group that celebrates the wanton murder of civilian non-combatants.
Prosecutors said the men tried to hide a $250,000 investment by Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzook in their Richardson computer company by making it look as if it came from his wife. Payments were allegedly funneled to Marzook in return for the investment.
Then-Attorney General John Ashcroft announced the Elashis’ indictments in 2002, calling the defendants “terrorist money men.”
Marzook lived in Louisiana and Virginia until 1995, when the federal government labeled him a terrorist, which made it illegal for anyone in the United States to have financial dealings with him. Marzook was deported and is believed living in Syria.
Prosecutors said the Elashis’ computer company, InfoCom Corp., continued to make payments to Marzook’s wife until 2001….
Defense lawyer Michael P. Gibson vowed to appeal and said prosecutors had sensationalized the case.
“There is no evidence that money ever funded any terrorism,” Gibson said. “This is not a terrorism case, it’s a financial crimes case.”…
If the money went to Hamas, I am not moved if it was used to fund day-care centers.