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Closing arguments begin today in the trial of Sami Al-Arian. They should last for most of the week.
Former University of South Florida professor Sami Al-Arian and co-defendants Sameeh Hammoudeh, Hatem Fariz and Ghassan Ballut are on trial in federal court, accused of using Islamic charities as fronts in a conspiracy to finance terrorist attacks by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which has claimed responsibility for killing hundreds of people in Israel and the occupied territories. With the trial expected to last six months, the St. Petersburg Time s is providing a weekly summary highlighting the past week's important developments.
THE LATEST: Last week, federal prosecutors and defense attorneys finished wrangling over jury instructions, clearing the way for the final stages of the trial - closing arguments and jury deliberations.
WHAT'S NEXT: Today, about 20 hours of closing arguments begin, which should take until Thursday. Prosecutor Cherie Krigsman will go first, taking the day to explain the government's case. She will be followed Tuesday by Al-Arian's two attorneys, Linda Moreno and Bill Moffitt, who will each take two hours to argue for their client. Then, the attorneys for the three other defendants will make their arguments as the week goes on.