Testifying in his own defense, an elderly Muslim cleric who lives in South Florida is denying any connection to the Pakistani Taliban terrorist organization.
Seventy-seven-year-old Hafiz Khan took the witness stand Tuesday in a Miami federal courtroom. Khan declared he is innocent of U.S. charges that he sent at least $50,000 to help finance Taliban fighters. Khan says he is a proud U.S. citizen.
Son: "None of My Family Supports the Taliban"
Khan has been jailed since his May 2011 arrest on four terrorism support-related charges. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison on each count.
Khan took the stand after defense lawyers were unable to restore a video link to witnesses testifying from Pakistan. That link was mysteriously cut last week.
Muslim Cleric 'Shocked' Terror Charges Against Him Were Dismissed
Charges were previously dropped against two of Khan's sons in the U.S.
