Convert to Islam gets life sentence

A French convert to Islam was yesterday convicted and given a life sentence over charges that he tried to organise an uprising in Morocco.

The three-judge panel deliberated for more than 12 hours in the Moroccan capital of Rabat before reaching its verdict on the case of Pierre Robert.

On the trial's last day, Robert, 31, who had possibly faced the death penalty over the terrorism related charges, pleaded innocence and asked Morocco's king, Mohammed VI, to intervene on his behalf.

Robert and 33 others on trial with him were arrested in a crackdown after the suicide bombings in Casablanca, on May 16, which killed 45 people, including 12 bombers.

Two of Robert's co-defendants were also sentenced to life, and others received sentences of up to 30 years' jail. Two others were acquitted.

Robert's case was not directly related to the bombings. Prosecutors said he led a network of Islamic militants in northern Morocco plotting to foment an uprising. He had been living in Tangiers with his Moroccan wife.

He was found guilty of "undermining state security" and "forming a criminal gang in relation with a terrorist enterprise", among other charges.

Robert accused Moroccan security services of fabricating the case against him.

The Moroccan authorities claimed a foreign hand was behind the five Casablanca explosions. The belief was that Robert trained at al-Qaida camps in Afghanistan.

He denied the accusation and in the trial said he was an agent for French intelligence. But authorities in France denied the claim.

The trial is one of several proceedings linked to terrorism since the May bombings. Around the country 906 suspects have been arrested.