BAGHDAD — A neighbor of Iraq's fugitive vice president has claimed he transported bombs at the request of the official's son during testimony in a politically charged terrorism trial against the politician.

Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, one of Iraq's senior Sunni Muslim politicians, is charged with running death squads against Shiites. In Tuesday's court session, the neighbor said he carried explosives but did not take part in attacks.

Four of al-Hashemi's bodyguards also faced questions about their roles in alleged attacks between 2006 and 2011.

Al-Hashemi denies wrongdoing. He considers the charges a politically motivated attack by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Critics accuse the Shiite prime minister of sidelining his opponents to consolidate power.

Al-Hashemi fled the country and refuses to return for the trial. It is scheduled to resume Sept 9.