London: The long-awaited trial of eight men accused of plotting to blow up transatlantic jets in 2006, a case that led to tough new rules on carrying liquid on planes, began today with jury selection. The judge, Justice David Calvert-Smith, outlined the details of the trial to 100 would-be jury members ahead of the first full hearings at the high-security Woolwich Crown Court in London.
The defendants are charged with conspiring to murder others and endanger aircraft on flights from London to the United States and Canada. They deny two charges linked to an alleged plot to blow up airliners that counter-terrorist police claim to have foiled. The investigation led to the introduction of tough rules on carrying liquids on to planes in hand luggage. Under strict British reporting guidelines, details of allegations cannot be published until they have been aired in court.
The judge told potential jurors the trial would be long, complex and involve dozens of witnesses. "This case concerns an allegation that in 2006 a number of men planned to create bombs which some of their members would take on board passenger aircraft flying from London Heathrow to various destinations in Canada and the United States," he said. "It is further alleged that the bombs were planned to be set off when the aircraft were airborne and the bombers and all on board the aircraft would be killed."
