3 accused of conspiring to join IS group on trial
Published 8:25 am Wednesday, May 11, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS — The trial of three Minnesota men accused of plotting to join the Islamic State group is set to begin in federal court in Minneapolis.
Prosecutors say the three young men were part of a larger group of friends in Minnesota’s Somali community who met several times to plan how to travel to Syria.
All three have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges. The most serious charge is conspiracy to commit murder outside the United States. It carries the possibility of life in prison.
A jury of 16 was seated Tuesday night and opening statements are expected Wednesday.
Six other men who were part of the alleged plot have pleaded guilty to various charges, while a 10th man charged in the case is believed to be in Syria.