Six Moroccans acquitted in Somalia remain detained ahead of terrorism hearing

Six Moroccan men acquitted in Somalia remain in pretrial detention in Morocco more than four months after their return, with questioning by an investigating judge expected on Sept. 17, a source familiar with the case said.

The men, who returned in early May, are being held at Al Arjat prison near Salé. Their appearance before the judge responsible for terrorism cases has been postponed several times, the source said.

The questioning is expected to concern allegations that they attempted to join extremist organizations, accusations they faced in Somalia before being acquitted on appeal.

Moroccan authorities detained the six upon their arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. They were questioned by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, known as BCIJ, which operates under the domestic intelligence service.

They were subsequently brought before the prosecution responsible for terrorism cases at the Rabat Court of Appeal and remanded in custody pending proceedings.

The case began more than two years ago, when a court in Somalia’s Puntland region sentenced the men to death by firing squad. They had been accused of attempting to disrupt Somali society and sow chaos in the country.

The men spent more than two years in Somali prisons before an appeals court acquitted them. Their acquittal paved the way for their return following diplomatic efforts by Morocco’s Foreign Ministry.

During their trial in Somalia, the men denied attempting to join extremist groups. They said they had traveled to the country to seek work in various manual trades.