Jury selection begins in Texas trial of Pakistani student accused of aiding Taliban

Trial begins for man accused of aiding Taliban

HOUSTON — Jury selection has begun in the trial of a Pakistani student accused of conspiring to aid the Taliban and undergoing training in order to fight U.S. troops.

Attorneys on Monday began questioning prospective jurors in Houston federal court in the trial of 33-year-old Adnan Babar Mirza. Opening statements could be held later Monday.

Mirza was one of four men arrested in 2006 for taking part in paramilitary training exercises around the Houston area that prosecutors say were disguised as camping trips.

Family and friends say the men were not aspiring Taliban fighters. David Adler, Mirza’s lawyer, has said his client was completing a class to get a hunting license.

If convicted, Mirza faces up to 10 years in prison.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

HOUSTON (AP) — Jury selection has begun in the trial of a Pakistani student accused of conspiring to aid the Taliban and undergoing training in order to fight U.S. troops.

Attorneys on Monday began questioning prospective jurors in Houston federal court in the trial of 33-year-old Adnan Babar Mirza. Opening statements could be held later Monday.

Mirza was one of four men arrested in 2006 for taking part in paramilitary training exercises around the Houston area that prosecutors say were disguised as camping trips.

Family and friends say the men were not aspiring Taliban fighters. David Adler, Mirza’s lawyer, has said his client was completing a class to get a hunting license.

If convicted, Mirza faces up to 10 years in prison.