Al-Qaida DVDs found at terrorism suspect's home, prosecutors say

CHICAGO — Federal prosecutors have stepped up efforts to keep in custody a Chicago businessman linked to an international terrorist plot, saying in their latest filing that DVDs linked to al-Qaida had been found in his home.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, 48, was charged last month with conspiring to take revenge on a Danish newspaper for publishing unflattering cartoons about the Prophet Muhammad that outraged the Muslim world.

A federal judge could decide Nov. 19 whether to release Rana on bond pending trial.

Prosecutors alleged Friday that an Oct. 18 search of Rana's Chicago home turned up DVDs produced by As Sahab Media, "commonly acknowledged to be the media wing of al-Qaida."

One DVD included commentary on the cartoon controversy, images of the Danish prime minister and a message of martyrdom from the bomber who apparently attacked the Danish embassy in Islamabad, killing six people in June 2008, authorities said.

A second DVD found in the home included a speech by Osama bin Laden, authorities said.

Rana's co-defendant, David Headley, posing as Rana's employee, traveled twice to Denmark to check out the newspaper office as well as a nearby station of Danish troops, the charges alleged.

Last week prosecutors alleged that Rana and Headley had discussed targeting the National Defense College in India, a military school. Rana also allegedly told an associate of the Pakistani terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba how to use loopholes in U.S. immigration procedures to get others into the country illegally.

Rana's attorney, Patrick Blegen, has denied wrongdoing and said family and friends could post $1 million in property to secure Rana's release. The evidence suggests Rana was not aware of Headley's plans, he said.

Headley, also of Chicago, made admissions to authorities after his arrest, court records show.

Via McClatchy-Tribune News Service.