Rabat, Asharq Al-Awsat – Ibrahim al Motassadeq, father of the Moroccan Mounir al Motassadeq, aged 30, currently being re-tried in Germnay for his suspected involvement with the Hamburg cell of al Qaeda that planned the September 11, 2001 attacks on U.S cities, spoke exclusively to Asharq Al Awsat. Predicted the justice system in Germany would acquit his son, he said, “If the justice system is fair and if the trial examines all the available evidence, my son will be exonerated.” He also revealed Mounir planned on returning to Morocco after he is freed instead of staying in Germany , since “he has almost completed his studies. He is still required to undergo a six months training period which he can complete in Morocco.”

Ibrahim wished he could be close to his son and expressed his regret at the decision of German immigration officials who declined to issue him the necessary travel documents to enter the country and witness the trial.

Meanwhile, the Moroccan Abdelghani Mzoudi who was freed by Germany’s federal appeals court in June 2005 after being acquitted of taking part in the September 11 attacks spoke to Asharq Al Awsat, form his residency in Marrakech, of the similarities between his trial and that of Motassadeq. He predicted, “The court will issue a non-guilty verdict”, adding he kept himself up-to-date with the trial despite having no contact with the suspect. Mzoudi revealed he met al Motassadeq’s family after his return to Morocco and assured them of their son’s high spirits.

It is expected the court in Hamburg, which is examining charges of terrorism against al Motassadeq, will reach its final verdict on 19th August 2005.