AQIM:Mokhtar Belmokhtar to be tried in absentia on January 22

Algiers(8/12/2012)- The trial of Mokhtar Belmokhtar called Balaouar, one of AQIM leaders now in escape, will take place in Algiers Criminal Court on January 22, on charges of joining a terrorist group and intentional murder”, judicial sources said.

Belmokhtar will be prosecuted with nine of his fellows at Algiers criminal court on charges of joining a terrorist group operating inside and outside the country, and the deliberate murder with premeditation and intention, as stated in the agenda of the third session of Algiers criminal court for the year 2011.

Previously, Mokhtar Belmokhtar was sentenced in absentia to 20 years in prison by Algiers criminal court for similar incidents.

Mokhtar Belmokhtar 38, an AQIM leader, active in Northern Mali, as described by Interpol which accused him of kidnapping two French nationals found dead in Mali after the terrorist attack on the French Special Forces.