ALGERIA: DEATH PENALTY FOR DROUKDAL AND 11 OF HIS MEMBERS

February 28, 2009: the criminal court of Djelfa, Algeria, handed the death penalty to the emir of “El Qaida in Islamic Maghreb”, Abdelmalek Droukdal, and eleven others, the majority of whom are on the run, except for one named T. K.
The 12 are accused of creating an armed terrorist group, kidnapping and murder with premeditation and adhesion to armed groups and possession of firearms. According to reports, the group is composed of 15 to 20 men and is considered one of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the Maghreb.
They are allegedly responsible for several terrorists’ acts and bombings in several departments of the country. (Sources: Ennahar Online, 01/03/2009)