New charges brought in NY indictment against 2 US citizens accused of helping al-Qaida

New charges brought against NY men in terror case

NEW YORK — New terrorism charges have been brought in New York City against two U.S. citizens accused of trying to aid al-Qaida.

Charges including providing material support to al-Qaida and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were in a superseding indictment announced Tuesday against Wesam El-Hanafi (WAH’-suhm el-HAN’-awf-ee) and Sabirhan Hasanoff (suh-BEHR’-han HAHS’-an-awf).

El-Hanafi was born and lives in Brooklyn. Hasanoff lives in Brooklyn and is a citizen of the U.S. and Australia. They’re accused of aiding al-Qaida since 2008 with money and computer skills.

Prosecutors say El-Hanafi went to Yemen and helped teach al-Qaida how to communicate on the Internet without being detected.

A conviction could support a prison sentence of up to 70 years.

Both men have pleaded not guilty. El-Hanafi’s lawyers say there’s nothing new in the indictment.