US imam takes stand, denies Taliban connection

Miami, Feb 19 (AP) An elderly Muslim cleric who lives in Florida is denying any connection to the Pakistani Taliban terrorist organisation. Seventy-seven-year-old Hafiz Khan took the witness stand today in a federal courtroom. Khan declared he is innocent of US charges that he sent at least USD 50,000 to help finance Taliban fighters. Khan says he is a proud US citizen. 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. Charges were previously dropped against two of Khan's sons in the US. (AP) SAI 02192321 NNNN