Judge won't dismiss Minnesota women's terror case

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.

Chief U.S. District Judge Michael Davis says in a written opinion that 34-year-old Amina Farah Ali and 64-year-old Hawo Mohamed Hassan are charged with knowingly providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

He says providing material support is conduct — not protected speech.

Attorneys for the women argued their clients were charged under an unconstitutional statute, and asked that the case be dismissed.

Davis says when the case goes to trial, the women may argue they didn't know money they raised was meant for al-Shabab.

The women claim they are innocent and were raising money for the poor in Somalia.

An Oct. 3 trial is scheduled.