DATE=5/13/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-289730

TITLE= PAK/U-S JOURNALIST (L-Only)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The trial of four Islamic militants accused of kidnapping and killing an American journalist is continuing in Pakistan. The closed-door proceedings are being held in the southern city of Hyderabad. Ayaz Gul has the details from Islamabad.

TEXT: Prosecutors say they produced a handwriting expert in the court on

Monday who gave evidence about similarities of expression between several

ransom messages and hand-written documents recovered from prime suspect,

Ahmed Omar Sheikh.

The British-born Islamic militant widely known as Sheikh Omar has been

accused of masterminding the kidnapping and murder of American reporter

Daniel Pearl.

On Saturday, an American F-B-I agent appeared as a witness in the trial under

tight security. He testified how investigators traced e-mail messages

linking the defendants to the crime.

The electronic mail contained pictures of Daniel Pearl in captivity and

threats to kill him. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has played an

active part in the investigation of the killing of Mr. Pearl.

The American reporter disappeared in the city of Karachi in January while

researching a story on Islamic militants in Pakistan. A video of his

execution was delivered to U-S diplomats in the city a month later. Mr.

Pearl's body has not been found, neither has the weapon used to kill him.

The defendants deny the charges of murder, kidnapping and terrorist activities

against them. They are being tried under Pakistan's anti-terrorism law and

could face death penalty if found guilty. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/KBK