Lebanon's military tribunal has convicted three Lebanese and a Saudi for links with the Al-Qaeda network and sentenced them to three years in prison, judicial sources said Tuesday.
The ruling marked the first time Lebanese authorities have confirmed any attempt by al-Qaeda to infiltrate Lebanon.
Saudi Ihab Dafeh, as well as Ramez Sultan, Khaled Omar Minawi and Abdullah al-Muthadi, were accused of trying to set up Al-Qaeda cells in Lebanon and abroad with the goal of attacking the state, and of using false passports.
They were convicted on Monday, along with three other Lebanese and a Palestinian, who were sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison.
During their trial, Dafeh and Sultan denied the charges of belonging to al-Qaeda and said they work in the import-export business. They, however, admitted to having secured donations to help refugees and mujahedin in Afghanistan. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
