02:15 PM EDT on Friday, August 13, 2004

By GLENN COUNTS / 6NEWS

6NEWS Kamran Akhtar was escorted into federal court Friday under tight security.

The Pakistani national arrested last month in Charlotte while videotaping Uptown buildings appeared in federal court Friday under heavy security.

As expected, Kamran Akhtar was ordered detained by U.S. Magistrate Judge Carl Horn.

Akhtar’s attorney really didn't put up much of a fight. George Miller said that he only had a chance to meet with his client for about five minutes prior to the hearing.

The magistrate cited numerous inconsistent statements made by Akhtar to federal agents, including a claim that he was a microbiologist, which was disproved. He allegedly lied about his immigration status and he said that he didn't have any money or property when he worth more than $100,000. Akhtar's attorney said the public should keep an open mind.

"I would say don't believe everything you hear. Don't believe everything you read. Put it all together after a trial," Miller said.

Akhtar’s court appearance was just a detention hearing. Next week there may be a probably cause hearing. If there is one, at the time the government will have to provide a sneak peek of the evidence that they have against Akhtar.

Akhtar is charged with violating immigration laws and lying to police. Authorities are also investigating possible terror ties because of videotapes found of buildings in several cities in his possession.

Other charges - not related to immigration - may be forthcoming.

Irfan Akhtar described his brother as someone who loves to travel, loves photography and just bought the video camera this spring.

Further suspicion was cast on Kamran Akhtar when it was discovered he was traveling to the videotaped city by train - a mode of transportation that does not leave a paper trail. Irfan Akhtar said his brother likes to travel cheaply, but recently used a credit card, racking up a $2,000 bill on a trip to Las Vegas.

Besides his lawyers, Kamran Akhtar has been visited by an immigration officer, two Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers and an FBI agent from the joint terrorism task force.