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Friend Of Tsarnaev Seeks New Trial

A college friend of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is asking a judge to throw out his conviction on obstruction charges or grant him a new trial.

A jury last week found Azamat Tazhayakov, 20, guilty of impeding a federal investigation by removing a backpack containing fireworks from Tsarnaev's dorm room days after the deadly attack.

Tazhayakov's lawyers say the government did not prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that their client was the one who removed the evidence.

The defense had argued at trial that Tazhayakov's roommate, Dias Kadyrbayev, was the one who disposed of the items.

If the conviction stands, Tazhayakov faces up to 25 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October.

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