46 go on trial in Belgium over links to Syria jihadistsSeptember 29, 2014 - 23:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Forty-six people have gone on trial in Antwerp on charges of belonging to a group that sent jihadists to Syria, the largest case of its kind in Belgium, BBC News reports. Prosecutors say the Sharia4Belgium organisation sent recruits to militant groups such as Islamic State (IS). Only eight of the accused appeared in court. The rest are thought to be on the frontline - or dead - in Syria. European governments are increasingly worried about the risks posed by their citizens fighting in Syria and Iraq.IS militants spearheaded an assault across northern Iraq this summer, adding a belt of territory there to the areas under their control in Syria.The U.S., and its European and Arab allies, have responded with air strikes on IS-held territory. More than 3,000 European Muslims are thought to have gone to Iraq and Syria to fight for IS and groups that share its ideology, such as al-Qaeda-allied Jabhat al-Nusra. European security agencies fear that jihadists who return from those countries could mount attacks on domestic targets. Officials estimate that up to 400 Belgian nationals have gone to fight in Syria. Of these, about 10% are thought to have links to Sharia4Belgium. The group's alleged leader, Fouad Belkacem, was among those who appeared at the court in Antwerp on Monday, Sept 29.Though he is not thought to have travelled to Syria himself, investigators say he inspired others to go there.If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Defense lawyers are expected to make their statements on Tuesday. Belkacem has denied the charges against him, saying in an open letter to the press that he had "never recruited, incited or sent" fighters to Syria. Sixteen of the 46 accused are charged with leading Sharia4Belgium, with the remaining 30 said to be members of the group. The group was formed in 2010 with the professed aim of introducing Islamic law in Belgium. It disbanded two years later - although the authorities suspect it continued recruiting fighters for Syria. The Belgian authorities hope this trial will serve as a deterrent for other young Muslims, the BBC says. Belgium has the highest number of jihadist recruits per capita of any western European country, according to the London-based International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR). Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |