Trial of al-Qa'ida suspects starts
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Twenty-three suspected supporters of al-Qa'ida went on trial in Brussels yesterday accused of trying to bomb a US military base in Belgium or of being involved in the murder of an Afghan opposition leader in 2001.
The hearing, which is Europe's third terrorist trial since 11 September, 2001, had a chaotic start when one defendant attacked another and had to be dragged from the court.
The most prominent defendants are two Tunisians: Nizar Trabelsi, who has admitted some allegations, and Tarek Maaroufi, who denies having any links with terrorist groups.
Mr Trabelsi is expected to plead guilty to plotting an attack on the military base. He also is suspected of being involved in a plot to blow up the US embassy in Paris.
Mr Maaroufi is accused of involvement in the assassination in 2001 of Ahmed Shah Massood, an Afghan opposition leader during the Taliban reign. The trial is expected to last a month.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments