Members of underground group get 2 months to 15-years prison sentences, two acquitted

The court of appeal of Rabat acquitted Tuesday two men and handed down sentences ranging from two months to 15 years in jail against members of an underground radical group called "Berkane-Nador cell" prosecuted part of the anti-terrorist law enforced since last May.

The court sentenced 2 defendants to 15 years, one to 12 years, 4 to 10 years, 1 to four years, two to three years, five to 2 years while one was condemned to two months in addition to a fine of 10,000 Dhs (US $1,000).

Charges held against them include criminal association to prepare terrorist attacks, sheltering an accomplice in criminal gang, raising funds for terrorist activities, unauthorized public meetings and activities within non-authorized association. Two men were cleared of the counts. The public prosecutor had requested the death penalty against Marzouk Ahaja, who was eventually condemned to three years, and a fine of 100,000 Dhs (US $10,000).