Trial of Muslim Fundamentalists Criticized

GENEVA — The International Commission of Jurists on Friday criticized the trial of Algeria’s top Muslim fundamentalists, saying it violated both Algerian and international law.

A statement from the Geneva-based organization cited two major flaws in the proceedings. It criticized the fact that the trial was held behind closed doors and that it was conducted in a military tribunal instead of a civilian criminal court.

For the first time ever, the International Commission of Jurists was denied access to a trial. The commission, made up of 31 jurists from around the world, frequently sends observers to monitor the fairness of court proceedings.

The Algerian military court sentenced Abassi Madani, the president of Islamic Salvation Front, and Ali Belhadj, its vice president, to 12-year prison terms for fomenting rebellion against the state. Five other leaders of the banned Salvation Front also received jail sentences.