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Bomb Suspect Pleads Guilty in Germany
One of four Algerians accused of plotting to bomb a crowded French holiday market pleaded guilty in his final statement to a German court Thursday, and lawyers for another defendant did not contest charges that he had planned a bombing. In his statement, Aeroubi Beandalis thanked the police for arresting the group and thereby foiling the plot. "I admit to the charges against me and would like to say again that I'm sorry," he said in Arabic through a court translator. He did not elaborate, but his lawyer reiterated the plea."Oh, Gawd! I'm so sorry I got caught!" Lawyers for co-defendant Fouhad Sabour in their own closing arguments asked that he be cleared of violating weapons laws and conspiring to murder, but they did not contest he conspired to plant a bomb. They asked Frankfurt court to sentence him to no more than seven years in prison. "The defendant ain't a well man, y'r honor." "What's the matter with him?" "He's nuts." Prosecutors have sought sentences of 10 years for Beandalis and another defendant, Lamine Maroni; 11 1/2 years for Sabour, and 12 1/2 years for the fourth defendant, Salim Bourkari, whose lawyers will make closing arguments Tuesday. All are charged with conspiring to murder and plant a bomb as well as weapons violations. Spandau's available, isn't it? Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-02-20 |
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