Extremist group members get two to three year sentences

The court of first instance of Rabat handed down sentences ranging between 2 and three years against 11 members of "Al Hijra Wa Takfir" extremist group.

Omar Jalil and Mohamed Akrim were sentenced to three years and fined 1,000 Dhs (US $100) each.

The nine other defendants were sentenced to two years and fined 1,000 Dhs (US $100) each.

They were sued for "shaking Moslems faith and holding non-authorized meetings."

The public prosecutor had asked the court to hand down heavy sentences against the defendants, whereas the defense pleaded for the acquittal of the defendants for "lack of evidence."