Alleged terrorist says he was faking

MIAMI, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- An alleged terrorist on trial in Florida testified he was "playing a role" when he contacted foreign sources soliciting finances for terrorist operations.

Narseal Batiste, 33, is charged with terrorism-related conspiracy charges linked to alleged plots to attack Chicago's Sears Tower and FBI buildings. He is accused of leading a group called the Liberty City 7.

Batiste testified in his own defense claiming that phone and video surveillance suggesting he was involved in the attack were distorted, McClatchy Newspapers reported Thursday.

Batiste said the evidence was a ruse aimed at soliciting funds from sources overseas by issuing a wish list for uniforms, boots, machine guns, rocket launders and $50,000 cash from a contact established through an FBI informant, Abbas al-Saidi.

"If I didn't play the role that Abbas asked me to play, I wouldn't get the money I was looking for," Batiste testified.

Batiste said he needed the financial support to establish a religious group in Liberty City, Fla., the McClatchy report said.