Tunisian synagogue blast suspects on trial

Paris: Three men charged with involvement in a deadly synagogue bombing in Tunisia went on trial yesterday in Paris in a case expected to highlight the reach and complexity of Al Qaida-linked networks in North Africa.

Among those charged is Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, who says he orchestrated the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the US. Khalid is being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by US authorities and was not present for the proceedings yesterday.

French prosecutors say Khalid ordered the bombing of an ancient synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba on April 11, 2002. The attack killed 22 people, including two French citizens, prompting the French legal proceedings.

Victims family members gathered in the courthouse yesterday, urging harsh sentences.

"We are hoping for a life sentence...and we think there is sufficient evidence," said Judith-Adam Caumeil, a lawyer for the family members of the German victims.

Co-defendants

Khalid's two co-defendants were present for yesterdays proceedings, which were largely procedural.

Christian Ganczarski, a German who converted, identified himself to the court in German. Wahid Naouar spoke softly as he identified himself in French. Naouar's brother Nizar was the suicide bomber who drove a propane-laden truck into the synagogue.

Khalid, Ganczarski and Wahid Naouar are charged with complicity in murder and complicity in attempted murder in the synagogue attack. They face life sentences if convicted.

Ganczarski's lawyer, Stephane Bono, said French authorities have "already declared him guilty, and this poses a real problem for a fair trial." French investigators say Nizar Naouar called Khalid in Pakistan by satellite phone on the day of the bombing and received the order to attack. Prosecutors say Wahid Naouar knew an attack was planned and bought the phone his brother used.