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Madrid train bombing trial begins Madrid train bombing trial begins
(40 minutes later)
The trial of 29 people accused of involvement in train bombings that killed 191 people in March 2004 has begun in the Spanish capital, Madrid.The trial of 29 people accused of involvement in train bombings that killed 191 people in March 2004 has begun in the Spanish capital, Madrid.
Seven of the suspects, most of whom are Moroccan, will face charges of murder and belonging to a terrorist group.Seven of the suspects, most of whom are Moroccan, will face charges of murder and belonging to a terrorist group.
The other 22 face charges including collaborating with a terrorist group and handling explosives. The first defendant, Rabei Osman, said he did not recognise the charges and refused to answer questions.
More than 1,700 people were injured in the multiple bomb attacks, which targeted four Madrid rush-hour trains.More than 1,700 people were injured in the multiple bomb attacks, which targeted four Madrid rush-hour trains.
Investigators in Spain have attributed the attacks to a local cell of Islamic extremists inspired by al-Qaeda.Investigators in Spain have attributed the attacks to a local cell of Islamic extremists inspired by al-Qaeda.
Suspects' suicides Plea refusal
The case is Europe's biggest trial of alleged Islamic militants. It is expected to last several months and hear from hundreds of witnesses and police experts.The case is Europe's biggest trial of alleged Islamic militants. It is expected to last several months and hear from hundreds of witnesses and police experts.
Madrid bombs: Defendants Five Moroccans and a Syrian are charged with 191 murders and 1,755 attempted murders. Madrid bombs: Defendants
A bullet-proof chamber was set up for 18 of the suspects, packed together on wooden benches. The other 11 sat in the main courtroom - they have been out on bail.
A number of counsellors were also in the court building to offer help to attending survivors and relatives of victims.
The first defendant led to the dock, Rabei Osman Sayed Ahmed, also known as Mohamed The Egyptian, refused to enter a plea and declared that he would not answer any questions put to him.
"Your honour, with all due respect, I don't recognise any of the accusations or any of the charges... I am not going to answer any questions, including those of my defence counsel, nor will I be co-operative," he said through a Spanish translator.
Lead judge Javier Gomez Bermudez told Mr Osman he had "the right not to testify".
"You are not required by Spanish legislation to explain your reasons," he said.
But the judge said the state prosecutor would still ask questions.
Olga Sanchez asked why and when Mr Osman came to Madrid, whether he had claimed that the bombings were his plan and if he was involved in a global jihad, or holy war.
High alert
Five Moroccans and a Syrian are charged with 191 murders and 1,755 attempted murders.
Ten bombs struck four commuter trains in Madrid
A Spaniard believed to have supplied the explosives is accused of 192 murders - the 191 who died in the bombings and a policeman killed when seven key suspects committed suicide in a raid on a flat three weeks later - and 1,755 attempted murders.A Spaniard believed to have supplied the explosives is accused of 192 murders - the 191 who died in the bombings and a policeman killed when seven key suspects committed suicide in a raid on a flat three weeks later - and 1,755 attempted murders.
Two of these seven - Jamal Zougam and Abdelmajid Bouchar - are accused of actually planting bombs.Two of these seven - Jamal Zougam and Abdelmajid Bouchar - are accused of actually planting bombs.
The seven suspects who died in the flat explosion in April 2004 included the alleged plot mastermind, Tunisian Serhane ben Abdelmajid Fakhet.The seven suspects who died in the flat explosion in April 2004 included the alleged plot mastermind, Tunisian Serhane ben Abdelmajid Fakhet.
Refusal to speak
Of the remaining 22 defendants on trial, 11 are from Morocco, eight from Spain and one each from Algeria, Syria and Lebanon.Of the remaining 22 defendants on trial, 11 are from Morocco, eight from Spain and one each from Algeria, Syria and Lebanon.
I am not going to answer any questions, including those of my defence counsel, nor will I be co-operative Rabei Osman Sayed Ahmed, defendant They face charges including collaborating with a terrorist group and handling explosives.
Lawyers representing the accused have said that all 29 will deny the charges.Lawyers representing the accused have said that all 29 will deny the charges.
However as the trial got under way the first to appear in the dock, Moroccan Rabei Osman Sayed Ahmed, also known as "Mohamed The Egyptian" refused to enter a plea and declared that he would not answer any questions put to him.
"Your honour, with all due respect, I don't recognise any of the accusations or any of the charges. With all due respect to the presiding judge and the bench, I am not going to answer any questions, including those of my defence counsel, nor will I be co-operative," he said through a Spanish translator.
The majority of the defendants arrived at the court on the western outskirts of Madrid together in a heavily guarded police van.The majority of the defendants arrived at the court on the western outskirts of Madrid together in a heavily guarded police van.
Once inside the courtroom they were led to seats inside a specially prepared bullet-proof glass box.
The legal documents have been digitised and will be projected on to screens during the court sessions, which are being broadcast live on national television, radio and the internetThe legal documents have been digitised and will be projected on to screens during the court sessions, which are being broadcast live on national television, radio and the internet
On Tuesday, Spanish officials raised the country's security alert level from low to medium ahead of the trial and the third anniversary of the attacks on 11 March.On Tuesday, Spanish officials raised the country's security alert level from low to medium ahead of the trial and the third anniversary of the attacks on 11 March.
Extra police and soldiers will be stationed at key public areas, and water supply and power plants, while the elevated alert is in place, the interior ministry said.Extra police and soldiers will be stationed at key public areas, and water supply and power plants, while the elevated alert is in place, the interior ministry said.