‘Black widow’ stands trial

– A trial for the widow of the gunman who killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in what prosecutors say was an attack in the name of Islamic State (IS), is set to begin today with opening statements by both sides.

Noor Salman, widow of Omar Mateen, faces up to life in prison if she is convicted in US District Court in Orlando of aiding and abetting her husband and obstructing a federal investigation into the June 12, 2016 massacre at the Pulse nightclub.

Salman, 31, was at home with the couple’s then three-year-old son during the shooting rampage, which ended with Mateen’s death in an exchange of gunfire with police. But prosecutors say she knew of her husband’s plans and did nothing to stop him.

The trial, which is expected to last for a month, will take place at the Orlando courthouse where protesters have been gathering during jury selection to call for a guilty verdict. Inside the courtroom, the owner of the Pulse nightclub, Barbara Poma, has been present for some of the initial proceedings.

Although Salman initially told investigators that her husband acted without her knowledge, she later acknowledged being aware that her husband was watching Islamic State recruitment videos, had purchased an assault rifle and examined three possible attack locations, according to prosecutors. Salman’s attorneys contend the US government could not show any direct links between Mateen and IS before the attack and has provided no evidence that Salman aided her husband.

In court papers filed on Tuesday, defence lawyers asked that prosecutors not be allowed to tell jurors during opening statements that the shooting rampage was intended as an attack on the gay community or that Salman took part in her husband’s gun and ammunition purchases.

Salman was indicted on two charges: obstruction of justice and aiding and abetting Mateen. –