Terror suspect claims lack of evidence

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- A British Muslim accused in Pakistan of participating in an alleged plot to blow up aircraft bound from London to the United States claimed innocence Friday.

Rashid Rauf, who was detained by Pakistani authorities after the alleged plot was uncovered in August, said the accusations against him are false, The Times of London reported Friday. The terrorism charges against Rauf were dropped earlier this month and replaced with charges of forgery, impersonation and possessing explosives.

"The charges are all fabricated. It is injustice," Rauf said, marking his first public comments since his arrest.

Rauf claimed his ongoing detention is illegal and prosecutors have no evidence to support their case.

"There is no evidence against me. They are just shifting me from one court to another," he said.

Palestinian authorities named Rauf was the "main planner" in the alleged terrorist plot to detonate the airliners.

He is due back in court next year.