Ansar al-Islam Trial Update

UNCLAS FRANKFURT 007499 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/AGS, EUR/PGI, S/CT SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC KISL IZ GM SUBJECT: Ansar al-Islam Trial Update REF: A) Frankfurt 4401 Sensitive but unclassified; not for internet distribution. ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The trial of three suspected members of Ansar al-Islam accused of plotting to assassinate then-Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi during a visit to Germany in December 2004 is ongoing in Stuttgart-Stammheim (a high-security court facility). One defendant has spoken out in recent proceedings, claiming he is not a terrorist. Unwilling to predict the outcome, the lead prosecutor told us that several key charges have yet to be discussed in court and that the trial will likely last until spring 2007. END SUMMARY. "I Am No Terrorist" -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The trial of the three suspected terrorists began on June 20 (ref A). During proceedings in September and October, the press reported that two of the accused repeated their claim of innocence and voiced frustration over the process. One of the accused, Mazen al-Hussein, admitted his knowledge of the plot against Allawi. Stating "I am no terrorist" and that he is personally against killing, al-Hussein claims he worked to delay the attack during telephone conversations with another unnamed plotter. Al-Hussein admits to giving money, however, that was sent to Iraq to another accused -- but claims the money was used to support victims of the Iraq war, not terrorists. Hussein also told the court that he is not an "Islamist" and that if he had wanted to fight in Iraq, he would have never left that country. ¶3. (SBU) As for the alleged ringleader of Ansar al-Islam in Germany and accused co-conspirator in the Allawi plot, Ata Abdulaziz Rashid, Hussein claims he too opposed the assassination plans. Another of the accused, Rafik Mohamad Yousef, expressed frustration that a long-awaited witness for the prosecution did not show up at the expected time. The court reported that the witness, who continues to work with German intelligence, was under cover within the Muslim community and faced imminent danger if he were to appear in court. The court indicated it would resort to a voice-altered videoconference to obtain the testimony. Prosecutor Predicts Lengthy Trial; Key Points Yet to be Discussed -------------- -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Court press spokesperson Josefine Koeblitz told us that proceedings are scheduled to run through early 2007 and will continue as needed beyond that. Some press reports suggest the court anticipates a verdict on January 11, 2007 (the last currently scheduled trial date). However, Senior Public Prosecutor Silke Ritzert -- the prosecuting attorney in this case -- told us she believes the trial will go on into spring 2007, unless one or more defendants makes a confession or admission. Ritzert also told us that some of the key issues such as recruitment of "active supporters" and solicitation of funds to support terrorism have not yet been discussed during the trial. ¶5. (U) This message was coordinated with Embassy Berlin. POWELL