Casablanca bombing convicts tunnel out of prison: officials

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AFP) — Nine Islamic extremists convicted for the Casablanca bombings that killed 45 people in 2003, including one facing the death sentence, tunnelled their way out of a Moroccan prison early Monday, officials said.

The Kenitra "prison administration noted the escape Monday morning and all measures have been taken to find the escaped prisoners and establish who was responsible," the justice ministry said in a statement quoted by the MAP state news agency.

The Casablanca bombings were Morocco's deadliest ever, killing 45 including 12 suicide bombers, and injuring scores more.

Monday was the first escape by Islamic extremists since the arrest wave following the Casablanca atrocities.

An official representing a prisoners' welfare...