CAMDEN, N.J., Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Closing arguments began Monday in the federal trial of five Muslim men accused of plotting to attack the U.S. Army base in Fort Dix, N.J.
Rocco Cipparone, a of defense attorney, told the U.S. District Court jury the recorded conversations between his client, Mohamad Shnewer, and a paid government informant didn't show guilt because neither man was telling the truth, Newsday reported.
"These are two liars driving around in a car and talking to each other incessantly," Cipparone said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hammer insisted in his closing argument that it wasn't just talk, it was a plot for jihad, or holy war, The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger reported.
"They were doing it to fight a jihad and the intended victims were going to be members of the U.S. military," Hammer said.
After the other defense attorneys deliver their closing remarks, the case will go to the jury, possibly as early as Tuesday. Judge Robert Kugler has ruled the jurors will be sequestered during deliberations.
The trial for the five defendants, who were arrested last year, has lasted eight weeks.
