Judge questions prosecutors claim against UK man

A US federal judge preparing to sentence a British citizen for supporting terrorists in Afghanistan challenged prosecutors on their claim that his support extended to al-Qaeda.

Judge Janet Hall said today Babar Ahmad's support for the Taliban regime in Afghanistan did not necessarily mean he supported al-Qaeda. She cited the testimony of a government cooperating witness who denied Ahmad supported al-Qaeda.

Prosecutor Stephen Reynolds says Ahmad sent people to terror training camps run by al-Qaeda. He says Ahmad was not a member of al-Qaida but became sympathetic to the terrorist group.

Hall is weighing the scope of Ahmad's conduct for his sentencing next week.
 

Prosecutors say he deserves a 25-year sentence, calling his support far-reaching. Ahmad's attorney says prosecutors overstated the case and the 10 years he already has served in prison is enough.