Judge won't dismiss case against Minnesota Somali women accused of supporting al-Shabab

[Valin]

MPLS Star Tribune/AP:

AMY FORLITI
6/21/11

MINNEAPOLIS - A federal judge won't dismiss the indictment against two Minnesota women accused of funneling money to the terror group al-Shabab in Somalia, saying their alleged conduct is not protected under the First Amendment.

Amina Farah Ali, 34, and Hawo Mohamed Hassan, 64, are scheduled to face trial Oct. 3 on multiple charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

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Prosecutors have said the women, who live in Rochester, were part of a "deadly pipeline" routing money and fighters from the U.S. to al-Shabab. They allegedly went door-to-door to collect funds and held teleconferences to solicit donations for the terror group. In one of those calls, prosecutors say, Ali told others to "forget about the other charities" and focus on "the Jihad."
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