The trial of 189 suspected Islamist militants in Mozambique on Wednesday. The accused are reportedly involved in attacks targeting security officers and civilians in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado.
The suspects involved in the trial include Mozambicans, Tanzanians, Congolese, Somalis and Burundians, of whom 42 are women.
In the past year, more than 50 people have been killed in gun, grenade and knife raids in the growing jihadist insurgency with the militants seeking to impose Sharia law in the Muslim-majority province.
As the insurgency has spread through the province, several hundred Muslims have been arrested and several mosques forced to close.
In the latest major violence, 12 villagers were killed and 14 wounded two weeks ago.
An anti-terrorism law was passed in April allowing for heavier sentences.
Locals and authorities call the assailants Al-Shabaab, although the group has not issued any claim of responsibility or demands.
