Oregon Public Broadcasting

12 people will decide whether an Iranian-born naturalized U.S. citizen is guilty of funneling money to Muslim fighters in Chechnya. Pete Seda has pleaded not guilty, saying the money was for humanitarian causes. Seda co-founded the now defunct Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, in Southern Oregon.

Pete Seda, also known as Pirouz Sedaghaty sat in Eugene Federal District Court while the jury was selected from a pool of people from several Oregon counties.

Four men and eight women were chosen as well as four alternates.

U.S. District Judge Michael Hogan asked each potential juror about their religious beliefs and whether they were biased against any religion.

People who claimed intolerance of the Muslim faith were excused.

Potential jurors were also asked about their dealings with the Internal Revenue Service, military experience and acquaintance with law enforcement personnel.

The trial is expected to take at least a week.