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Executive Director of Charitable Organization Accused of Aiding International Terrorists

Aired May 01, 2002 - 06:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: In other news this morning, with more on the case against the U.S.-based charity, here is CNN justice correspondent, Kelli Arena.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The executive director of this charitable organization is accused of aiding international terrorists, and the government says he has had a longstanding friendship with Osama bin Laden.

The Illinois-based Benevolence International Foundation, or BIF, is one of the biggest Muslim charities in the United States.

Enaam Arnaout, a 39-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen born in Syria and his organization stand accused of falsely denying terrorist ties.

JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: That executive director, Mr. Arnaout, has ties to bin Laden, including being trusted with the care of one of bin Laden's wives in Pakistan in 1989.

ARENA: In an affidavit, the government says it has pictures and letters to prove Arnaout's relationship with bin Laden found in a raid in Bosnia. The government alleges -- quote -- "BIF is an organization that al Qaeda has used for logistical support, including the movement of money to fund its operations."

Arnaout allegedly has ties to other al Qaeda operatives as well, including Mamdough Salim, who is already in U.S. custody. Salim is charged with trying to obtain nuclear and chemical weapons for al Qaeda.

PATRICK FITZGERALD, U.S. ATTORNEY: This is a prosecution aimed against fraud and perjury. It is not aimed against charities, and it is certainly not aimed against the Muslim community.

ARENA: Arnaout says the government wants to destroy his foundation, a foundation that says it does legitimate charity work in countries such as Pakistan, Bosnia and Afghanistan.

MATTHEW PIERS, FOUNDATION ATTORNEY: This is yet another example, in my opinion, of the government having very little to show for the massive effort they have put into the war on terrorism. And therefore, you know, exacting a punishment on somebody by imprisoning them, pending charges of relatively minor nature.

ARENA (on camera): The government says the Benevolence International Foundation has done some legitimate work, and officials stress the donors to the organization are not suspects, but victims.

Kelli Arena, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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