Foreign Tourists Kidnap: Trial of two accused

Algiers (28/01/2012)-Criminal court is to consider on Wednesday the case of two accused in belonging to the terrorist group of Amari Saifi called Abderrazak Elpara.

The two accused Ferrah Amara and Issani Yacine are implicated in the kidnapping of foreign tourists in 2003.

 Fifteen tourists, including Germans, were kidnapped in 2003 in Algeria desert borders with Mali.

 According to the third criminal session of Algiers court, the two accused will be tried on charges of kidnapping tourists, intentional murder and arson, and possession of arms as well.

The referral decision states that the two men are also implicated in several terrorist attacks (assassinations, preparation of ambushes, and destruction of public and private properties), against elements of the security services and armed forces.

The two terrorists participated in the ambush of Illizi (south of Algeria) against owners of companies operating in Algeria Sahara, during which foreign nationals were kidnapped by terrorists who also stole large amounts of money.

The same source added that the defendants also participated in operations of ransoms and arms trade.