This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/7541862.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Bin Laden driver trial nears end Bin Laden driver trial jury out
(about 1 hour later)
Osama Bin Laden's former driver played a "vital role" in the conspiracy behind the 9/11 attacks, the prosecution has said in closing arguments at his trial. A US military jury has retired to consider its verdict after the trial of Osama Bin Laden's former driver at Guantanamo Bay.
Salim Hamdan protected the al-Qaeda leader in Afghanistan knowing his goals included killing Americans, the first Guantanamo war crimes tribunal heard. Yemeni Salim Hamdan faces life in prison if convicted of conspiracy and supporting terrorism.
But defence lawyers said the Yemeni national was a low-level employee, who was "not even an al-Qaeda member". In closing arguments, the prosecution said he played a "vital role" in the conspiracy behind the 9/11 attacks.
He faces life in prison if convicted of conspiracy and supporting terrorism. But defence lawyers said he was a low-level employee, who was "not even an al-Qaeda member".
Mr Hamdan is not an al-Qaeda warrior, he is not al-Qaeda's last line of defence - he's not even an al-Qaeda member Defence lawyer Brian MizerMr Hamdan is not an al-Qaeda warrior, he is not al-Qaeda's last line of defence - he's not even an al-Qaeda member Defence lawyer Brian Mizer
Mr Hamdan, who was captured in Afghanistan in November 2001, has pleaded not guilty and his defence team say he worked for wages, not to wage war on America.Mr Hamdan, who was captured in Afghanistan in November 2001, has pleaded not guilty and his defence team say he worked for wages, not to wage war on America.
Mr Hamdan has acknowledged working for Bin Laden in Afghanistan from 1997 to 2001 for $200 (£99) a month, but denies being part of al-Qaeda or taking part in any attacks.Mr Hamdan has acknowledged working for Bin Laden in Afghanistan from 1997 to 2001 for $200 (£99) a month, but denies being part of al-Qaeda or taking part in any attacks.
He is the first prisoner to be tried by the US for war crimes since World War II.He is the first prisoner to be tried by the US for war crimes since World War II.
'Guilt by association''Guilt by association'
In its closing argument, the prosecution described Mr Hamdan as a loyal supporter of Osama Bin Laden. In its closing argument, the prosecution described Mr Hamdan as a loyal supporter of Osama Bin Laden, who protected the al-Qaeda leader knowing his goals included killing Americans.
"Al-Qaeda aimed to literally take down the West, to kill thousands, and they have; to create economic havoc, and they have."Al-Qaeda aimed to literally take down the West, to kill thousands, and they have; to create economic havoc, and they have.
"They needed enthusiastic, uncontrollably enthusiastic warriors, like that accused, right there, Salim Hamdan," said justice department prosecutor John Murphy."They needed enthusiastic, uncontrollably enthusiastic warriors, like that accused, right there, Salim Hamdan," said justice department prosecutor John Murphy.
Lawyers for Mr Hamdan said not one witness had testified that Mr Hamdan played any part in terrorist attacks. They questioned the fairness of the trial, which began on 21 July.Lawyers for Mr Hamdan said not one witness had testified that Mr Hamdan played any part in terrorist attacks. They questioned the fairness of the trial, which began on 21 July.
"This is a classic case of guilt by association," said Lieutenant Commander Brian Mizer, a military defence lawyer appointed by the Pentagon."This is a classic case of guilt by association," said Lieutenant Commander Brian Mizer, a military defence lawyer appointed by the Pentagon.
"Mr Hamdan is not an al-Qaeda warrior, he is not al-Qaeda's last line of defence - he's not even an al-Qaeda member," said Mr Mizer."Mr Hamdan is not an al-Qaeda warrior, he is not al-Qaeda's last line of defence - he's not even an al-Qaeda member," said Mr Mizer.
A jury of six military officers is expected to begin deliberating a verdict later on Monday.A jury of six military officers is expected to begin deliberating a verdict later on Monday.
Black holeBlack hole
About 270 suspects remain in detention in Guantanamo Bay.About 270 suspects remain in detention in Guantanamo Bay.
Among the dozens of other inmates due to be tried there in the coming months are men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks.Among the dozens of other inmates due to be tried there in the coming months are men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks.
Human rights campaigners have accused the court of operating in a legal black hole.Human rights campaigners have accused the court of operating in a legal black hole.
They and the other accused will be watching the out come of the Hamdan trial closely, correspondents say.They and the other accused will be watching the out come of the Hamdan trial closely, correspondents say.