By RIA Novosti,
Abu Dhabi : The trial of 991 suspected al-Qaeda militants, involved in a series of terrorist attacks across Saudi Arabia, is due to start on Tuesday in Riyadh, the Al-Riyadh newspaper reported.
The suspects are accused of taking part in more than 160 terror attacks on oil fields, residential compounds and state buildings between 2003 and 2004 that left some 200 people dead, including over 70 security officers, the newspaper said.
The defendants include those who allegedly carried out the attacks, as well as those who are believed to have provided funds and refuge, an Interior Ministry official told the paper.
The General Court in Riyadh has set up a special 10-member panel to hear the terrorist cases which include Saudis nationals and foreigners, the Saudi daily reported.
Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, was hit by a wave of attacks against Western targets and oil installations five years ago. The Islamist group has criticized the Saudi Arabian government for its alliance with the U.S.