“Sardinian Al Qaeda”, the charge of terrorism is dropped again: sentences reduced on appeal

The existence of an international organization (with headquarters in Gallura) which favored and supported illegal immigration was confirmed (with a strong reduction in the sentences imposed). However, the hypothesis of the rooting of a jihadist group is excluded: this is the meaning of the sentence of the Court of Assizes of Appeal of Sassari, which closes the case of the so-called "Sardinian Al Qaeda cell".

THE STORY – In 2015, in the city of Gallura, around ten people were arrested on charges of having organized bloody attacks in Pakistan (Peshawar market massacre in 2009) and of wanting to attack the Holy See.

The second degree sentence eliminates these hypotheses and instead confirms, with a reduction in sentences, the crime of illegal immigration.

Ghani Sher and Khan Siyar were acquitted due to prescription.

Sultan Khan, a Pakistani trader with interests in Olbiae in Pakistan, alleged leader of the group, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison (in the first instance they had been ten), four years for Imiatas Khan, Pakistani, cousin of Sultan Khan, and for the Afghan Ul Hak Zaher (in the first instance eight years in prison for both).

The defense (Carlo Corbucci, Franco Villa and Fulvio Vitali) also obtained the revocation of the expulsion decree from Italy. For minor positions the first degree sentence was confirmed.