In this April 4, 2014 file photo, Mohamed Maouloud Ould Mohamed, a mausoleum caretaker, prays at a damaged tomb in Timbuktu, Mali. — AP

BRUSSELS: The International Criminal court ruled yesterday that a Muslim radical found guilty of destroying World Heritage cultural sites in the Malian city of Timbuktu should get nine years in prison and pay 2.7 million euros ($3.2 million) in reparations. The court in the Netherlands found that Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi had intentionally directed attacks against nine mausoleums and a mosque door in 2012, and ordered him to pay for damage to the buildings, economic losses and moral harm to victims - primarily the people of Timbuktu, who depend on tourism. At a previous hearing, Al Mahdi pleaded guilty and expressed remorse for his role in leading the destruction and urged Muslims around the world not to commit similar acts.