Moroccan trial of al-Qaida suspect begins

RABAT, Morocco, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- The terror trial of suspected al-Qaida insurgent Abdul Kader Belliraj has begun in Morocco, the suspect's attorney says.

Belliraj's attorney, Mohammed Ziane, said his client's case began Thursday in Rabat. Ziane told the Med Basin News Line that his client had allegedly been working with the Belgian government when he was detained.

"Belliraj says he visited the world and terrorist organizations in concert with the Belgian authorities, including military security," Ziane alleged.

Belliraj was arrested in February along with 32 other people and has been accused of planning terror attacks in Morocco in an attempt to overthrow the government.

During his court appearance this week, Belliraj wouldn't stand in front of the judge assigned to his case as he was protesting alleged mistreatment while in custody.