Morocco:terrorist cell leader gets increased prison term

Hamid Benbella.March 6.2006

The leader of a terror group,sentenced in January by a First instance to 25 years imprisonment, has seen his prison term extended to 30 years by the court of Appeal in Sale,Rabat twin city in MOROCCO.
Hassan El Khattab, leader of "Ansar al Mehdi" terrorist cell which, according to authorities, intended to wage Jihad (religious war) in Morocco, stood trial with some 50 people all members of this cell on charge " conspiracy to prepare and carry out terrorist acts, part of a collective project to undermine the public order " ,"Fund raising and management with the intension of using it for terrorist act" ,"belonging to an unrecognised association" and "holding unauthorized public meeting"
His associate Yassine El Ouardini, a former soldier ,saw his jail sentenced raised to 25 years from 20 years.
The court also handed down sentences ranging between 2 and 15 years in jail against all other members and confirmed the acquital of one of them
Police investigations showed that the group was planning to turn Morocco into an Islamic country using explosives as well as laboratory,communication and propaganda material
"Ansar al mehdi "members intended to finance their activities through holding up financial institutions and money transport vehicles as well as collecting money and contribution from its members.
The cell, which had contacts with several individuals grouped in cells in the western cities of Sale,Sidi Yahia Gharb,sidi Slimane,Youssoufia and casablanca, was dimantled in July 2006 part of Morooco's Anti terror act
Morocco enacted the anti-terror law in the aftermath of the May 16,2006 terrorist attacks that rocked Morocco's economic capital,Casablanca , claiming 45 lives including the 12 suicide bombers.