The trial of suspected Al-Qaeda operatives was put off until January 28th by the Casablanca court of appeal. The decision was made following a request fielded by Mahfoudbillah Ahmed, member of the Casablanca bar, on the grounds that some defense attorneys were not available. Mahfoudbillah’s intervention was requested following the stepping down of two defense lawyers, who expressed surprise at the change of court members, asking for the adjournment of the trial. The defendants, three Saudis and seven Moroccans, were arrested last June and are accused of preparing terrorist acts in Morocco and against Western ships crossing the Gibraltar strait. Full Story