In Madrid the trials have begun of the twenty nine suspects believed to have been involved in the bombs of March 2004 when 191 people lost their lives. Seven face charges of Murder and the others of collaboration and perverting the course of justice. More than 1700 people were injured in the attacks which shocked the Spanish nation. Most of the accused are Moroccan, however some are Spanish born Muslims.

The bombings led to the fall of the then PP government after they announce incorrectly the bombing were part of ETA the Basque terrorist movement.

On TV1 last night the association of Bereaved families condemned the accused and before trial began have been asking for the maximum penalties to be inflicted if the men are found guilty.

The trial is expected to last many months with expert witnesses being called from around the world.

To coincide with the trial the Spanish government has placed the police and Guardia Civil on high alert for any terrorist activity that may attempt to disrupt the proceedings.