Crime | Salim Ahmed Hamdan Gitmo Trial Describes al-Qaeda Inner Circle Driver was key member of organization: prosecutor By Nick McMaster Posted Jul 22, 2008 3:02 PM CDT Copied In this image reviewed by the U.S. Military, a Guantanamo detainee holds onto a fence on the grounds of the maximum security prison at Camp 5, at Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba, June 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) Arguments in the trial of Salim Hamdan gave a view of al-Qaeda's inner circle today, as prosecutors opened by painting Osama bin Laden's driver as a key member of the organization, the Miami Herald reports. The lead prosecutor depicted Hamdan as a constant presence in high-level al-Qaeda operations and argued that he knew the destination of the fourth plane hijacked on 9/11. Hamdan’s lawyer said he accepted the job as Bin Laden’s chauffer out of simple financial necessity: “There is no evidence that he espoused, embraced, believed extremist Islamic beliefs. He needed a job.” After the opening statements, testimony began with the Army major who captured Hamdan at a checkpoint in Afghanistan taking the stand, Reuters reports. Read These Next Mark Zuckerberg's 'list' has Silicon Valley buzzing. IAEA chief downplays damage to Iran nuclear sites. Tillis, who opposes Trump bill, won't seek reelection. Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies Report an error