Computer evidence out of terror trial

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 22 (UPI) -- A U.S. District judge justifiably excluded computer evidence from the terror trial of a former University of South Florida student, an appeals panel says.

A federal appeals panel ruled this week that despite allegations by prosecutors, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday correctly ruled that the evidence should not be allowed in student Youssef Megahed's trial, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times said Thursday.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals heard before its decision Wednesday how prosecutors suspected Merryday of overstepping his bounds by disallowing nine video clips as evidence.

The clips of rocket and explosives use were found on the home computer of Megahed, who allegedly transported explosives across state lines illegally.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Rhodes has said the video clips could potentially be integral to prosecutors' case against the South Florida student.

The Times said Ahmed Mohamed, the student arrested with Megahed in August 2007, is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for providing terrorists with material support.