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Terrorism trial in Düsseldorf

September 8, 2014

A Düsseldorf court is hearing the case against four suspected Islamic terrorists. One of the men is accused of attempting to bomb a train station and all four are charged with plotting to attack a far-right politican.

https://p.dw.com/p/1D8ZB
Bombenalarm am Bonner Hauptbahnhof
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Proceedings opened on Monday at the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf against the four men accused of plotting to kill the head of the regional Pro NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia) party in March of last year.

The defendants range from age 24 to 44 and come from the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. They are charged with forming a terrorist group, conspiring to murder and violating weapons laws.

One of the men, Marco G, is also accused of attempting to set off a bomb in the Bonn central train station in December 2012. He faces up to life in prison, while the other three could see prison terms of up to 15 years.

A sports duffel bag containing pipe bomb explosives was left on the platform at the Bonn train station nearly two years ago (pictured at top). However, the device failed to detonate because it was not assembled correctly.

The planned attack against Pro NRW leader Markus Beisicht at his home in Leverkusen, meanwhile, was foiled at the last minute when German SEK tactical police intervened.

Pro NRW has been criticized for its anti-Islamic campaign during state elections in 2012, where members carried signs depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Demonstrations in Solingen and Bonn led to clashes between Salifists and supporters of the right-wing party.

Proceedings for the case are expected to last until April of next year.

dr/hc (epd, KNA, dpa)