Milan, Sep 19 (IANS/AKI) An kickboxing champion is among four alleged supporters of the Islamic State jihadist group sent to trial on Monday for plotting attacks on Italy and the Vatican.
The suspects are Moroccan-descended Abderrahim Moutaharrik, 27, his wife Salma Bencharki, 26, Moroccan Abderrahmane Khachia, 22, and wife Wafa Koraichi, 23. All of whom were arrested in April.
The four-member cell was planning a terror attack on the Vatican during the current Jubilee year of mercy and also on the Israeli embassy in Rome and other locations in Italy, prosecutors say.
Moutaharrik, from Lecco in northern Italy, allegedly planned to carry out an attack in Rome on orders - sent via messaging service WhatsApp - from the IS.
He and his wife wanted to travel with their two small children to IS territory in Syria before Moutaharrik returned to Rome to launch an attack, prosecutors claim.
The Italian national is listed online as Switzerland's welterweight national champion for 2013 and 2014 and he has competed across Europe.
--IANS/AKI
mr/
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app