NC terrorism trial of 3 men set to go to jurors

NEW BERN, N.C. – A jury will soon begin deliberations in the trial of three North Carolina men charged with being part of a conspiracy to commit a terrorist attack at the U.S. Marine Corps base in Quantico, Va., or targets overseas.

Lawyers in New Bern on Tuesday finished their closing arguments in the case. U.S. District Court Judge Louise Flanagan said she'll give the jurors their instructions on Wednesday.

Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan, Ziyad Yaghi and Hysen Sherifi all pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say the men plotted terror attacks under the leadership of Daniel Boyd, who pleaded guilty to related charges in February.

Defense lawyers say the Mulsim men broke no laws despite debating contentious ideas within their religion and watching jihadist videos on their computers that others might deem reprehensible.