JEDDAH — Three men accused of participating in several terrorist activities in the Kingdom have categorically denied all charges leveled against them. Appearing in the Jeddah District Court Wednesday, the three who allegedly belonged to a terror cell named “Poison” requested the court to release them. The accused, who claimed that their confessions were taken under duress, agreed that they would attend future court sessions. No decision was taken on the demand of the accused as the court said it would look into their request. Wednesday's court session was attended by family members of the accused, media personnel and human rights activists. According to the prosecution, the “Poison” cell consists of 16 members — 14 Saudis, a Pakistani and an Afghan. The cell members allegedly used the most modern methods in their activities. They formed the cell, which is allegedly affiliated with Al-Qaeda and plotted terrorist operations targeting senior government officials and statesmen as well as marine and special forces personnel. The cell members also planned to attack intelligence buildings and assassinate security officials, according to the charge-sheet filed by the prosecutor general. The cell members also allegedly engaged in Takfiri ideologies and raised huge amounts of money to support Al-Qaeda. They also encouraged Saudi youth to join them and provided training to youth and forced them to join Al-Qaeda in Iraq and Afghanistan. Youth were also trained on how to use poison to assassinate government officials, the charge-sheet said.
