Openings begin in NYC trial for ex-Soviet officer

NEW YORK (AP) — A prosecutor has told jurors at the opening of trial in New York City that a former Soviet military officer wanted to kill Americans and agreed to sell weapons to anti-American rebels.

A defense lawyer for Viktor Bout responded today that his client was saying whatever he needed to say to sell two cargo planes for $5 million. He says Bout had no intention to sell weapons.

Bout, dubbed the Merchant of Death, was arrested in March 2008 in a Bangkok hotel.

Just before openings began, the trial judge warned jurors not to reveal on social media sites that they’re on the case. She had them sign a pledge a day earlier not to research it on the Internet.