Wednesday, March 17th 2010, 9:57 AM
A Pakistani court charged the five men from Virginia on Wednesday with attempting to join al Qaeda-linked groups to carry out attacks in Pakistan.
Officials said they believe the group was also planning to go to Afghanistan to fight against U.S. and NATO troops.
The men, all Muslims ranging from 18 to 25 years old, deny the charges, claiming they were planning to work with charity groups in Afghanistan.
"The charges were read out by the judge. The judge asked if they accept the charges. All the accused unanimously rejected them. They said 'We totally deny the charges," said their lawyer, Hasan Dastagir.
He called the charges "lies" and said the men believe they are being framed by Pakistan and the United States.
The men, whose names have not been released, are from Pakistan, Egypt, Yemen and Eritrea, officials said.
They were arrested in December in Sardogha in Punjab province.
Their families had reported them missing in November after one of the men left behind a farewell video, saying Muslims must be defended.
Local police said they intercepted e-mails showing the group had contacted Pakistani militants who wanted to use them in attacks.
They also said the men had raised money for the cause. A hearing is scheduled for March 31.
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