Kenya Court Cancels Bail for Iranian Bomb Plot Suspects

Kenya's High Court on Thursday quashed bail for two Iranians on trial for possessing explosives allegedly for use in bomb attacks in Kenya.

Ahmed Mohammed and Sayed Mansour, who were arrested in June and charged with suspected links to a terror network planning bombings in Mombasa and Nairobi, are accused of possessing 15 kilos (33 pounds) of the powerful explosive RDX.

"Since Kenya has not signed the extradition treaty with Iran, it would be impossible to prevail upon Iran to return them should they jump bail and flee back to their country," judge Lydia Achode said.

Defense lawyers said that they will appeal the decision.

"Our clients are constitutionally entitled to bail and we will appeal the decision," said defense lawyer David Kirimi. "We hope that these bail hearings will not delay the trial."

Both men, who have denied the charges, were granted bail by a lower court last month, but prosecutors later appealed against the decision.

Defense lawyers allege the suspects were interrogated by Israeli security officers while in Kenyan detention, claims that have been dismissed by the prosecution.

The accusation follows a declaration by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who in early July, shortly after the two were charged, said Iran was plotting attacks against Israel in Kenya.

The trial is expected to resume next week.