[Ennahar] A cabaret singer and the imam of Malik Benabi mosque in Bachdjarah have been presented yesterday in Algiers before court along with three others accused for belonging to armed terrorist group active in the region.The members of this terrorist support cell active in "El Feth phalanx", led by terrorist Abu Kheithama, belonging to Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which was about to commit suicide attacks with explosives.
The role of the imam was to coordinate between the members of the terrorist group.
The arrest of the accused occurred following investigations by the security services on 19 November 2008 around a support cell. Information was received regarding the involvement of the imam of Malik Benabi mosque of Bachdjarah and his contacts with the phalanx el Feth, led by terrorist Abu Kheithama, aka Bentitri active in the regions of Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou and the center.
The imam (B. T.), aged 34, from Bordj Bouarreridj, was prosecuted twice for terrorism cases. He was sentenced to 4 years in prison in 1991 and seven (7) years in prison in 1994 for belonging to terrorist groups. He has benefited from the provisions of the law on civil concord in 1999.
For hi part, (B. Omar), cabaret singer and musician, said he knows the man named Walid, the fugitive with whom he worked at a market in Bachdjarah, but denies having relations with terrorism.
The prosecution requested the sentence of 15 years in prison for the nine accused including the imam of the mosque of Bachdjarah