Italy: Police anti-terror raids target suspected Islamists

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Trieste, 18 Nov. (AKI) – Italian anti-terrorism police have carried out at least 135 raids and are investigating 11 foreigners in various Italian regions who are suspected of links to an alleged Morocco-based Islamist group. The organisation, called ‘Al-Adl Wal Ihsan’ or Justice and Charity, is being investigated for association to commit international terrorist acts. 

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Several apartments and cultural centres thought to be linked to the Moroccan movement are being investigated as well as 11 foreigners. 

According to investigators, the ‘Justice and Charity’ movement is a front for a group seeking the restoration of an Islamic caliphate in Morocco and the abolition of the monarchy. 

Justice and Charity is believed to be Morocco’s largest opposition Islamist movement. However, the group claims it wants to transform Moroccan society through non-violent means and social work.

Justice and Charity is tolerated by the Moroccan government but reportedly has no legal status to organise meetings.

The group has repeatedly accused the government of imprisoning its members and limiting its funding resources. 

The anti-terrorism investigations are taking place in the regions of Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Lombardy, Veneto in northern Italy and in the central Emilia Romagna and Marche region.