Jury gets case of Fort Dix terrorists

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CAMDEN, N.J., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Jurors Wednesday began deliberations in the trial of five Muslims charged with conspiring to attack Fort Dix in New Jersey.

In closing arguments Tuesday, the defense said the federal government was mistaken about the defendant's intentions, while prosecutors argued the men were linked by a belief in radical Islam and a desire to kill U.S. soldiers, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The anonymously chosen jury will be sequestered until it reaches a decision. The trial included eight weeks of testimony and two days of closing arguments.

Shain and Drita Duka, a third brother, Eljvir, Serdar Tatar and Ibrahim Shnewer are on trial in federal court in Camden, N.J., on charges that include attempted murder and conspiracy to kill military personnel.

Defense attorneys argued the men were angry at the U.S. government, but the government misinterpreted their actions.

"You have the opportunity to correct that mistake," defense attorney Michael Huff said in his closing argument.

In his closing, Deputy U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick said the defendants' words and deeds "cry out for guilty verdicts."