FBI agent concludes direct examination (August 7, 2007)

Prosecutor Jim Jacks stood behind the wooden podium in the center of the courtroom much of Tuesday, August 7, 2007 as he concluded the seven-day direct examination of FBI agent Lara Burns. As he leaned both arms on the podium, Jacks began sounding much like an aged ceiling fan in motion as he asked Burns […]

Agent testifies 6th day (August 6, 2007)

More than a dozen tapped phone conversations filled the chili courtroom air on Monday, August 6, 2007. Some of the now 15-member jury devoted their full attention to reading the translated transcripts. Other jurors, on the other hand, listened like uneager 7th graders with their loud sighs, closed eyes and constant yawns. It was obvious […]

Agent testifies 5th day (August 2, 2007)

The now 16-member jury was more attentive on Thursday, August 2, 2007. With less fidgeting and mid-day snoozes, more eyes were open and looking at the documents that the United States government lawyers displayed on screens. Some eyes even moved toward U.S. District Judge A. Joe Fish, who overruled almost all of the defense teams’ […]

Agent testifies 4th day (August 1, 2007)

Repetition has been one of the United States government’s strongest tools, especially on Wednesday, August 1, 2007. As U.S. government lawyer Jim Jacks continued a third day of direct examination with FBI agent Lara Burns, the jurors struggled to stay awake. Some looked up at the ceiling or took brief naps, while others stared at […]

A day of video evidence (July 31, 2007)

All eyes were on the screen Tuesday, July 31, 2007 as government lawyers played more than a dozen clips throughout the day. Echoing off the high courtroom walls were the sounds of Palestinian nasheed — traditional Arabic songs that express the continuing oppression that Palestinians face. The many sights included children throwing rocks at armed […]

FBI agent testifies 2nd day (July 30, 2007)

Prosecutor Jim Jacks’ back was arched much of Monday, July 30, 2007 as he leaned on the wooden podium and continued direct examination of FBI agent Lara Burns. As he spoke with a monotone voice, some jurors began wiggling, while others forced their eyes to open.

Four witnesses in one day (July 26, 2007)

Hamas author Matthew Levitt cleared his throat, took a small sip of water and continued his testimony on the morning of Thursday, July 26, 2007. During the cross examination, defendant Mohammad El-Mezain’s attorney Josh Dratel asked Levitt about the other terror finance cases where he was previously a witness. Levitt said he testified in about […]

First Witness (July 25, 2007)

His black hair was combed and his dark suit was pressed. Through his round glasses, he glanced at the government lawyers, then the jury. Matthew Levitt was ready for his testimony on Wednesday, July 25, 2007. It was no surprise that Levitt — the author of Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of […]

Opening Statements (July 24, 2007)

Every inch of all eight wooden benches were occupied Tuesday, July 24, 2007 when the long-awaited Holy Land Foundation trial began. Among the attendees were many supporters of the defendants, law students, journalists and other anxious individuals. A little past 9 a.m., U.S. District Judge A. Joe Fish started by reading brief instructions to the […]