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Report from the Hamas Trial in Dallas
Thu, Jul 26, 2007 at 9:24:11 am PDT
Counterterrorism Blog has a report on the testimony of terrorism expert Matthew Levitt at the Hamas funding trial of the Holy Land Foundation, in Dallas: Matthew Levitt Takes the Stand in Dallas HAMAS Trial.
During his direct examination Wednesday afternoon, jurors were shown a videotape from a HAMAS graduation ceremony in the Gaza Strip. Children were dressed in army fatigues holding toy weapons and, in some cases, wearing suicide belts. Several of the children were dressed as well known figures including Sheikh Yassin, a founder and spiritual leader of HAMAS.
Prosecutors used the video to show how HAMAS indoctrinates its followers at the youngest ages. Levitt referred to the ceremony as “typical of HAMAS run schools.”
Levitt, the prosecution’s first witness, testified as a HAMAS expert about the group’s methods of recruitment and their violent attacks. In contrast to descriptions by defense attorneys in Tuesday’s opening statements, where the first Intifadah was described as occasional rock throwing by children, Levitt explained to jurors that “HAMAS’ role in the first Intifadah was much more violent then rock throwing.” “They were involved in shooting attacks,” he said.
Levitt also spent considerable time discussing the charitable Zakat Committees. He called them “HAMAS’ most effective tool... they build grassroots support for the organization...(and) provide a logistical support mechanism to the terrorism wing by providing day jobs to HAMAS terrorists.”
The Holy Land Foundation’s lawyers are using the time-tested “Zionist conspiracy” defense.
In her cross examination, Nancy Hollander, defense attorney for Shukri Abu Baker, focused on Levitt’s employment with the Washington Institute, which was founded by Martin Indyk, as a way of questioning his objectivity. Indyk previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Hollander also asked Levitt a series of questions about his relationship with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Jewish Federation, both of which have hosted Levitt as a speaker.
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