KUWAIT: The Court of Appeals resumes today the trial of defendants involved in the blast of Imam Al-Sadeq Mosque that took place on June 26 and left 26 worshippers killed and 227 others wounded. The Criminal Court had sentenced seven suspects to death, eight to two-15 years in prison, but acquitted another 15 suspects.

The defendants are accused of spreading terror, committing murder, joining an internationally-banned group that promotes toppling the ruling system with illegitimate means, namely terrorism, thus threatening the country's national unity. The court had held its first session on the explosion on August 4th, to look into the cases presented against seven Kuwaiti defendants, five Saudis, three Pakistanis, 13 illegal residents and one fugitive with unidentified nationality.

The Public Prosecution had demanded tough sentences against the defendants, as the prosecution's representative had presented thorough details on the case. They also provided visual evidence on the role of the 29 defendants in the blast, including hiding vital evidence and helping the driver, Abdulrahman Eidan, to escape.

The Imam Al-Sadeq Mosque in Kuwait City was attacked by a suicide bomber on June 26th during the weekly Friday prayer in the holy month of Ramadan, killing 26 people and injuring 227 others. The blast sparked wide-scale condemnations from Arab, Muslim and world countries which rejected all forms and manifestations of terrorism. - KUNA