Ten Al Qaeda suspects stand trial in Yemen

SANA’A - Ten suspected Al Qaeda militants appeared at a state security court in Sana’a Sunday to face charges of plotting attacks on state facilities and foreign interests in Yemen.

The 10 defendants, aged between 20 and 39 years, appeared behind bars during the first hearing that was held amid tight security around the court.

Prosecutors said the group had planned attacks on government buildings, foreign companies and diplomats during 2005 to 2010.

Two Yemeni defendants — Hisham Muhammad al-Muhaiya and Talal Muhammad al-Maswari — were accused of carrying out a bomb attack on the offices of Canada’s Nexen oil firm in Sana’a in 2008. There were no casualties in the bombing.

Prosecutors said the group had also planned attacks on military and police officials.

The defendants refused to make their pleas after the charges were read out by chief prosecutor Ali al-Samit, and some of them shouted in defiance from behind bars.

“This is an American court. You are enemies of Allah and Islam,” defendant Ahmad Muhammad Talha shouted at presiding judge Muhssein Alwan.

Prosecutors also told the court the group had kidnapped the son of a tribal leader in the Red Sea port city of Houdieda in 2009.

The case was adjourned until Monday.