Group of 28 alleged members of Assalafia Al Jihadia extremist group before appeal court of Fez

A group of 28 alleged members of the Assalafia Al Jihadia extremist group appeared Tuesday before the Criminal chamber of the appeal court of Fez.

The defendants, aged between 22 and 52, are charged with criminal gang constitution, kidnapping, sequestration, robbery, position usurpation, assault and battery causing a permanent handicap, distribution of leaflets inciting to violence and fund collection without due authorization.

The individuals were arrested recently following citizens' complaints, the police said.

In Casablanca, the appeal court is carrying on its hearing in the case of 31 individuals accused of being members of the underground Salafia Jihadia group.

The case known as "Youssef Fikri's group," after the name of its leader, is sued for conspiracy, murder with premeditation, mutilation and dissimulation of bodies and murder attempt, unlicensed possession of guns and ammunitions and knives, robbery, kidnapping, sequestration, arson, forgery, usurpation of identity and complicity.

On Monday, the first instance court of Taza handed out prison sentences ranging between 10 and 18 months against another group of six individuals standing trial for acquaintances with the "Salafia Jihadia" extremist group.

Three members of the group were also ordered to pay 5,000 DH (US$ 540) in fines each.