Lawyers for a Bridgeview man accused of supporting the Palestinian extremist group Hamas argued Tuesday that a federal judge should dismiss the main charge against him.
Muhammad Salah, a U.S. citizen, is scheduled to go on trial next week. He is accused of conspiring to support Hamas since the group’s inception in 1988.
On Sept. 22, prosecutors unexpectedly dropped a key charge against Salah that alleged he provided funds and other support to Hamas in 1999.
Without that charge, Salah’s attorneys argue, the government cannot meet the statute of limitations requirement to charge Salah with conspiracy.
The statute of limitations in the case requires Salah be charged within five years of acting overtly on behalf of Hamas, the defense argued.
U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve has not ruled on the defense motion.
