Terrorism trial to start next month in Chicago

[April 12, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A federal judge says he expects the trial of a Chicago businessman charged in connection with 2008 terrorist attacks in India will start as scheduled next month.

Tahawwur Rana appeared at a brief hearing Monday that addressed procedural issues before the May 16 trial.

Judge Harry Leinenweber approved a request by prosecutors to take several additional days to hand over a document to the defense that outlines evidence.

The case is complex in part because some materials are classified and may have to be presented behind closed doors. Still, Leinenweber made clear he has every intention of starting the trial on time.

Rana's pleaded not guilty to charges he provided cover for a man who admitted to scouting sites for the Mumbai attack. It left more than 160 people dead.

[Associated Press]

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