Padilla trial opens in Miami

Jose Padilla went on trial today in Miami. Padilla and two co-defendants are accused of providing material support to radical Islamic groups around the world.

The 36-year-old Padilla is an American citizen who has been in US custody since 2002. Padilla was initially accused of conspiring to use detonate a nuclear weapon in the US. However, that charge does not appear in his current indictment.

Courtroom officials are enforcing an "unwritten rule" forbidding reporters to ask questions of the lawyers at the court house. Normally, reporters are permitted to question attorneys at the courthouse during breaks in the proceedings.