GERMANY: Germany's probe of the Hamburg terror cell behind the September 11th attacks suffered a serious setback yesterday after a court acquitted the second man to go on trial in connection with the attacks, writes Derek Scally in Berlin
Mr Abdelghani Mzoudi, a 31-year-old Moroccan-born student, was acquitted of over 3,000 counts of murder and as well as membership of a Hamburg al-Qaeda terrorist cell.
"Mr Mzoudi, you are acquitted, which is probably a relief to you. But it is no reason to celebrate," said a stern Judge Klaus Rühle, head of the six-judge court hearing the case. "You were acquitted not because the court is convinced of your innocence, but because the evidence was not enough to convict you."
He ordered Mr Mzoudi to be released immediately and to be paid compensation for his time in custody. Mr Mzoudi, a slight, bearded man, had a startled smile on his face after the verdict was announced but declined to to answer journalists' questions and instead just shook his head.
"It's a great day for justice," said Mr Michael Rosenthal, his defence lawyer.
German state prosecutors, who had called for a 15-year sentence, announced they would appeal the verdict. They alleged Mr Mzoudi helped the hijackers obtain cash and accommodation. Mr Mzoudi admitted he was a friend of the plot's ringleader, Mohammed Atta, but denied any knowledge of the plot.
Mr Mzoudi plans to continue his degree in electrical engineering in Hamburg.