Jury deliberates terrorist recruit case

MIAMI (AP) -- Jurors are expected to begin deliberating the guilt or innocence of Jose Padilla and two co-defendants today at their terror trial in Miami.

The panel will be weighing three months of evidence and testimony. Prosecutors say the three were part of a North American al-Qaida support cell providing money, supplies and recruits to Islamic extremists.

Defense attorneys say Padilla, who is a U.S. citizen, traveled overseas to peacefully study Arabic and Islam, and not to train as an al-Qaida terrorist.

The three could get life in prison if convicted of conspiracy to murder, kidnap and maim people overseas. They face up to 15 years behind bars if convicted on two counts of providing material support to terrorism.

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