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Iraq-Jordan
Jordan indicts al-Zarqawi among 13 terror suspects
2004-10-17
Jordan's military prosecutor indicted 13 alleged Muslim terrorists Sunday, including fugitive Abu-Musab al-Zarqawi, for an al-Qaida linked plot to attack targets in Jordan with chemical and conventional weapons, government officials said Sunday. Lt.-Col. Mahmoud Obeidat summoned the nine terror suspects who are in custody and read them the charges listed in the indictment, the officials told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. They said the four at large, including al-Zarqawi, were also charged and would be tried in absentia. The trial was expected to begin in early to mid November. Al-Zarqawi, the best-known figure indicted, is thought to be directing anti-US attacks and kidnappings in neighboring Iraq, where he leads the Tawhid and Jihad group.

Security officials have said the plot targeted the Jordanian prime minister's office, the secret service agency, the US Embassy in Jordan and other sites. Azmi al-Jayousi, the alleged mastermind of the cell who was captured in April, has confessed to military prosecutors plans for a chemical attack, the officials said. The military court is expected to issue a 10-day grace period this week for the four fugitives to surrender to authorities - a process that precedes the opening of the trial. In Jordan, charges become formal when read aloud at the opening of the trial.

The charges on seven counts include conspiring to commit terror attacks in Jordan, possessing and manufacturing explosive material and affiliation with a banned group, the officials added. The group in question has been identified as Kataeb al-Tawhid, Arabic for the Battalions of Monotheism, a previously unknown group said to be linked to al-Qaida. If convicted on all counts, defendants could be sentenced to death.
Posted by:Fred

#1  Jordan's King/government have taken a step in the right direction by naming al-Zarqawi in the indictment, plus the Islamic serial killer will tried in absentia.
Posted by: Mark Espinola   2004-10-17 1:18:33 PM  

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