Leader of Assalafia Al Jihadia extremist group admits murders

One the "Assalafia Aljihadia" extremist group leaders, Youssef Fikri, acknowledged the murders he was charged with by the Casablanca Appeal Court, except that of his uncle.

Fikri, who has also admitted other offenses, refused, however, to answer questions of the court which decided to expel him from the courtroom.

Six other members of the group, whose hearing took place Monday morning, denied all the charges held against them.

Mohammed Damir, a member of the Assalafia Aljihadia, had confessed, at the first hearing, violence acts which he said were meant "to advocate the good and admonish the evil."

The group members are sued for conspiracy, murder with premeditation, mutilation of bodies among other charges.

In a related development, the Casablanca appeal court postponed until July 16 hearing in the case of five individuals linked to the underground group. The five persons are sued for forming a gang and dealing in stolen goods.