News, May 2005

Macro Al Quaeda cell trial under way in Madrid

22 April and following. A major trial has begun into the Spanish cell of Al Quaeda which existed around the time of the 9/11 attacks in the USA. Among the 24 accused is IMAD EDDIN BARAKAT, 'Abu Dahdah', presumed to have been the leader of the cell and contact person with Bin Laden. The main suspects could face sentences of up to 65,500 years!

On the opening day the judge examined the only Spaniard accused, José 'Yusuf' Galán. He was followed by Abu Dahdah and now others are following into the dock.

The current trial has nothing directly to do with the Spanish terrorist bombings of 11th March, 2004, although it is clear that the suspects may have also been indirectly linked with the 3/11 bombers.

Sources: TVE, El Mundo