A military court sentenced six of the men to death...

A military court sentenced six of the men to death for plotting a bombing campaign against Jews and Christians during the Millennium celebrations at the start of the year. The State Security Court sentenced to death Khadir Abu-Ghawshah and Usamah Sammar, who were present during the trial, and sentenced to death in absentia Abd-al-Fattah Ahmad al-Awayishah, Ibrahim Abu-Hulaywah, Munir Maqdah, and Muhammad Sadiq Ibrahim. The sentences were handed down after a five-month trial. The presiding judge, Col Tayel Raqad, said those sentenced to death had shown a "determined will to carry out terrorist attacks against American and Jewish interests in Jordan". All defendants were cleared of charges of belonging to an illegal organisation linked to Saudi militant Osama bin Laden after the court found there was not enough evidence to support it. The defense committee representing the defendants planned to appeal to the Court of Cassation. Jordan has a history of reducing capital punishment decisions on appeal or through clemency when they are brought before the king.