Three Iraqi men have gone on trial in Stuttgart, Germany, suspected of plotting an assassination attempt against former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi in 2004.
The three men are being tried on charges of conspiracy and membership in Ansar al-Islam, an Islamic militant group that U.S. authorities have linked to al-Qaida.
They were arrested in Germany after police intercepted phone calls during which they allegedly plotted an attack on Mr. Allawi during his visit to Berlin in December 2004. Mr. Allawi changed his travel plans after the alleged plot was uncovered.
Police say two of the men also are believed to have collected funds for Ansar al-Islam and recruited members to the group.
In a separate case, two other men are being tried in Munich for allegedly providing logistical and financial aid to Ansar al-Islam.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.