AMMAN — The State Security Court (SSC) is expected to issue its verdict on Sunday in the trial of five suspects in the October 23 terrorist attack on St. George Church in Hmoud, Karak Governorate, that killed nine people.

 

On Wednesday, the SSC prosecutor rested its case during a court hearing, the victims’ lawyer Amer Halaseh told The Jordan Times.

 

The court also heard several witnesses, including security personnel, who testified for the prosecution, Halaseh said.

 

“The defendants did not present any witnesses, and, therefore, the SSC judges decided to adjourn the session until Sunday, when the tribunal is expected to issue a verdict in the case,” Halaseh added.

 

Earlier this month, the five suspects were informed of the charges and were assigned lawyers as stipulated by law during their first court hearing, according to Halaseh.

 

“The court hearings since the start of the trial went smoothly and in accordance with the law,” Halaseh said.

 

Three of the five suspects who are standing trial for terror-related charges are being tried via video communication technology.

 

Meanwhile, the two remaining defendants are standing trial for allegedly selling the weapons the defendants used in the attack.

 

The trial commenced following the conclusion of the investigations by SSC Prosecutor Brig. Gen. Ahmad Shahltough.

 

The prosecutor had said in a statement earlier this month that the investigation had covered all necessary procedures, including hearing prosecution witnesses, collecting evidence from the crime scene, documenting the weapons and ammunition used in the attack, and questioning the defendants suspected of carrying out or participating in it.

 

The prosecutor filed seven charges against the defendants under the Anti-Terrorism Law of 2006 and the Penal Code of 1960.

 

The charges include nine counts of complicity in committing terrorist acts resulting in death, complicity in committing terrorist acts using weapons and ammunition, and complicity in possessing weapons and ammunition with the intent to use them in terrorist acts.

 

The prosecutor also charged the defendants with conspiracy to commit terrorist acts using weapons, promoting the ideology of a terrorist group and committing acts likely to disrupt public order and endanger public safety and security.