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Italy acquits 3 more accused terrorists
An Italian court has acquitted three Egyptians accused of planning to attack a Rome airport and a US war cemetery. The ruling comes two days after nine Moroccans, accused of plotting to bomb the US embassy in Rome, were acquitted. Police held the three Egyptians in the port town of Anzio in October 2002, saying they found explosives, a gun and maps of alleged targets in their flat. After the menâs acquittal, defence lawyer Giovanni Destito said: "In the court at least, justice is done". Police said at the time of their arrest they had found maps with Romeâs airport, an American war cemetery in Anzio and McDonaldâs restaurant all highlighted. The three, aged between 30 and 45, were charged with illegal possession of weapons and "subversive association aimed at international terrorism", the latter introduced after 11 September attacks. The men - two of whom were fishermen and the other a street vendor - denied the charges, saying they had used the explosives for fishing. The high-security court acquitted the three men after deliberating for three hours. A detailed explanation of the ruling will be given at a later date. The Associated Press news agency quoted prosecutors as saying they were considering appealing in both this case, and that of the acquittal of nine Moroccans on Wednesday.Posted by: Paul Moloney 2004-05-01 |
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