Man sentenced to one year for terrorist charges

The court of appeal of Rabat sentenced, Monday, a man to one year in jail and a fine of 5,000 Dhs (US $500) under the anti-terrorism law enacted last May, following the Casablanca terrorist attacks that killed over 45 people, including 12 suicide bombers.

The defendant, Noureddine Merzouk, has already been condemned to 6 months in prison for "defending terrorist acts in public places and inciting for terrorist acts."

Meanwhile, the court decided to postpone for the second time the appeal of Britel Abou Al Kacem, an Italian of Moroccan origin who is also prosecuted under the anti-terrorism law.

Last October, Al Kacem was sentenced to 15 years in prison for "constituting a criminal gang to perpetrate terrorist acts part of a plan aiming to undermine public order, holding unauthorized meetings and activities within an illegal association."

The court also decided to postpone the appeal by the underground group dubbed "Meknes Group" whose six members were condemned last October to sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years. Meknes Goup was sued for constitution of a criminal gang to perpetrate terrorist acts, non-denunciation, illegal possession of weapons, theft, murder attempt and activities within an unauthorized association.