By AP
DETROIT – Lawyers for five Midwest militia members are facing a deadline to tell a federal appeals court why the men should be released from jail until trial.
The appeals court is considering the government's challenge to an order releasing the five with electronic tethers and other strict conditions.
The U.S. attorney's office filed arguments May 17. Responses from the defense are due Monday. It's not known when the appeals court will make a decision.
Nine members of a southern Michigan group called Hutaree are charged with conspiracy to commit sedition against the United States and the attempted use of weapons of mass destruction.
Prosecutors dropped their opposition to the release of four people last week.