National
Alleged Islamic Terrorists are to be extradited to Morocco
By h.b.
Apr 2, 2008 - 8:02 PM

Two alleged Islamic terrorists who were arrested on Tuesday in the Spanish north African enclave of Melilla, are to be extradited from Spain to Morocco shortly.

The men have been named as Alí Aarass, a Belgium national and lorry driver who has been linked to the attacks in Casablanca in May 2003, and Mohamed El Bay, a Spanish construction worker. Both have been living in Melilla for some time. They are now being held in the Guardia Civil cells in the city.

The arrests were made on the orders of the National Court Judge, Santiago Pedraz. A search of their homes however found nothing to confirm the belief that they were planning a terrorist attack, and for that reason their extradition to Morocco has been decided as the best course of action, although their defence is calling for them to be judged in Spain.

They are wanted in Morocco on charges of alleged implication in Islamic terrorist groups and also for arms trafficking.