May 16 attacks probe: two to three years in jail for Ouazzane cell members

The appeal court of Kenitra (near Rabat) sentenced Wednesday members of the "Ouazzane Cell," part of the underground extremist group Salafia Jihadia, to two to three years in jail, for involvement in the terrorist attacks that rocked Casablanca May 16, 2003.

Aziz Harrak and Othmani Mekki were sentenced to three years, and Abdellah El Younsi, Mohamed Al Bouamrani, Redouane Hmidouch, Thami Lazrak and Mustapha Harrak to three years.

One individual, namely Mohammed M'rabet, was acquitted.

The eight members of the cell were arrested mid-July part of the Casablanca blasts probe. They were in possession of tapes and books in citing to extremism.

The court will study Friday the cases of 43 other individuals, part of the same probe.