Terrorism

Code Words Disputed at Padilla Trial

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A defense expert at Jose Padilla’s terrorism trial testified yesterday that government translators were wrong about purported terrorist code words.

The government contended “tourism” meant jihad, “eggplants” referred to rocket-propelled grenades, and “football” meant violence. Translator Kamal Yunis disagreed, the Associated Press reports.

He said “tourism” could refer to a religious pilgrimage, “eggplant” to donations for the needy, and football to “being kicked around.”

Padilla and two co-defendants are being tried in Miami on charges of supporting terrorist groups. The prosecution is largely based on thousands of wiretapped conversations.

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