Hearing in Abu Saiba blast case begins

The High Criminal Court has begun hearing the case of 32 defendants, suspected to be involved in a blast that killed a police officer in Abu Saiba.

However, only 20 of the defendants are now in police custody as the rest are at large and will be tried in absentia.

They have been charged with murdering a police officer on duty, establishing a terrorist cell, detonating an explosive, possessing explosives, hiding fugitives and damaging private and public properties.

According to court files, two bombs went off in the area of Abu Saiba on August 28 last year, resulting in the death of a police officer as well as injuring other officers and civilians who were in the area.

The blasts also caused damage to a police patrol vehicle as well as other civilian cars. Investigations led to identify the 32 defendants who were suspected to be involved in the attacks. But only 20 defendants could be arrested.