January 10, 2006
In London, the trial of a Muslim cleric accused of inciting murder against Jews and others has opened. Abu Hamza al-Masri faces eight charges of soliciting murder against “non-believers”, including four against Jews. He is also accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting behavior with intent to stir up racial hatred, along with one charge of possessing threatening, abusive or insulting sound recordings, and another under anti-terrorism laws. Hamza, 47, is the most high-profile figure to go on trial in Britain charged with such offences since the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington. The trial is expected to last at least three weeks. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, Hamza faces life in prison. The trial is expected to last three weeks.
