A man accused of murdering an imam has told a jury he is not a supporter of the so-called Islamic State (IS).
Mohammad Hussain Syeedy, who denies murdering Jalal Uddin in Rochdale in February, told Manchester Crown Court he does not sympathise with IS.
Mr Syeedy, 21, from Rochdale, denied supporting the group's "ideologies", "ways" or "actions".
The Crown claims he played a key role in helping Mohammed Abdul Kadir, 24, bludgeon to death 71-year-old Mr Uddin.
The prosecution alleges the pair developed a hatred of the victim, believing him to be performing "black magic" because of his practising of Ruqya healing, which involves the use of amulets known as taweez.
It is claimed they supported IS and sought to punish Mr Uddin with death for this practice, in line with the group's beliefs.
The Crown claims Mr Syeedy intentionally assisted and encouraged Mr Kadir, driving him to and from the park on the day of the killing.
Mr Syeedy, a former Manchester United steward, said: "I certainly do not sympathise with Isis.
"I do not support any of their ideologies or their ways and their actions.
"I think what they are doing is absolutely wrong, I don't agree with innocent people dying," he added.
The engineering student admitted he disagreed with Mr Uddin's beliefs but when it came to punishment, he told the jury he "had no authority" and it was "up to God".
The trial continues.
