The Associated Press
Published: June 19, 2007
IHT
MIAMI: Accused al-Qaida operative Jose Padilla was never overheard using purported code words for violent jihad in intercepted telephone conversations and spoke often about his difficulties in learning Arabic while studying in Egypt, the lead FBI case agent testified Tuesday.
The questioning of FBI Agent James T. Kavanaugh by Padilla attorney Michael Caruso focused on seven intercepted telephone calls on which Padilla's voice is heard mostly talking about his marriage and his studies but never about Islamic extremism.
...Caruso asked Kavanaugh if Padilla ever was heard using what prosecutors say were code words for violent jihad, such as "picnic," "smelling fresh air" or "eating cheese."
"No, he does not," Kavanaugh replied.
...Caruso asked Kavanaugh if Padilla was ever overheard discussing jihad training.
"No jihad training that I've seen," Kavanaugh said.
Caruso's questioning was concentrated on areas in the FBI intercepts that appear to show an alternative and innocent explanation for Padilla's travels in the Middle East. Padilla's lawyers say he wanted to become an Islamic imam and sought to learn Arabic because it is the original language of the Quran.
Another alleged Hassoun recruit, Mohamed Hesham Youssef, tells Hassoun in one call that Padilla is having trouble adjusting to life in Egypt and to speaking Arabic.
"Basically, he is a slow learner. I mean, he is a slow learner," says Youssef, who was also charged in the Miami case but is in custody in Egypt and not part of the trial.
"He's not referring to anything here but studying Arabic, correct? Study means study, right?" Caruso asked.
"That's what they're talking about," Kavanaugh testified.
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