Three main defendants accused of direct involvement in the murders and who allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State jihadist group could theoretically face the death penalty. But families of the slain hikers and their lawyers will not attend the trial, according to information obtained by AFP. But Morocco's anti-terror chief has said the accused had no contact with the jihadist group in conflict zones. Morocco has since improved its security and legal framework, alongside boosting supervision of religious affairs and anti-terror cooperation with other states. Petitions on the internet have called for anyone convicted of the Scandinavian hikers' double murder to face the death penalty.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 30, 2019 03:33 UTC