Morocco delays Fath Al-Andalous terror cell trial

20/11/2009

A Sale court on Thursday (November 19th) postponed the trial of 15 alleged terror cell members until January 7th, MAP reported. At the time of their arrests last August, the "Fath Al Andalous" (Reconquest of Andalusia) terror cell suspects reportedly possessed chemicals and electronic equipment used to manufacture explosives. Officials said the men, all Moroccan nationals in their twenties, planned to carry out attacks in Morocco and had already formed links with foreign extremists linked with al-Qaeda.

Five members of the cell had reportedly been in contact with Arab Afghans, who were ready to teach them long-distance bombing techniques used in Afghanistan, Iraq and Algeria.

Journalist Ben Brik trial ends in Tunis

20/11/2009

The assault trial of jailed Tunisian journalist Taoufik Ben Brik wrapped up in Tunis on Thursday (November 19th) after two days of testimony, international press reported. Ben Brik denied charges of assaulting a woman and instead criticised the authorities for prosecuting him to silence his criticism of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The secretary general of Reporters Without Borders and a member of the European parliament were in the Tunis courtroom for Thursday's hearing, AFP reported.

The court will issue its verdict on November 26th.

International ICT Forum slated for Tunis

20/11/2009

ICT experts, telecom operators, internet service providers and software companies from more than 50 countries will converge on Hammamet next week for the International Information and Communication Technologies Forum, Tunisia Online reported on Thursday (November 19th). Organisers said the November 24th-25th conference aims to promote investment and reduce the "broadband divide" between Africa and the Mediterranean region. Event partners include the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the African Development Bank and the World Bank.