JURIST - Paper Chase: Madrid train bombings trial of 29 set for February

[JURIST] A senior Spanish judicial officer said Tuesday that 29 suspects accused of the 2004 Madrid train bombings [JURIST news archive] are scheduled to go on trial in February 2007, with the proceeding ending by July and a final decision expected by October. A Spanish judge originally charged the 29 defendants [JURIST report] in April. Five of the 29 are accused of 191 murders and 1,755 attempted murders, representing the casualty figures in the terror attacks, while 24 others will stand trial as accomplices. A Spanish National Court judge confirmed [JURIST report] the charges in July.

The massive charge documents [PDF text in Spanish, parts 1, 2, 3 and 4] are based on evidence ranging from phone records to financial statements. They conclude, however, that al Qaeda was not directly responsible for the attacks. After the charges were announced in April, Spanish lawmakers have drafted legislation to compensate terror victims [JURIST report] and fund programs to assist victims with finding new jobs and homes. Seven bombing suspects committed suicide during raids that occurred weeks after the attacks. Reuters has more.

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