Terrorism trial begins in Jordan

The trial has begun in Jordan's state security court of 13 men accused of conspiring to carry out terrorist attacks.

The men - 12 Jordanians and one Egyptian - were formally charged with making and possessing explosives and planning attacks against Filipinos working in Jordan.

Defence lawyers said the men would also also be charged with planning attacks on Israeli and Western targets in Jordan.

All the accused have pleaded not guilty.

They were arrested in January and accused of belonging to a previously unknown group, called the Cells Organisation.

The next hearing is scheduled for 23 July.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service