Emotions run high as Brussels bombing trial opens
STORY: Belgium has launched its largest ever criminal trial, more than six years on from the 2016 terror attacks.
Ten men will stand trial, accused of involvement in a triple suicide bombing which killed 32 and injured over 300 around the capital.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks on March 22.
Brussels airport was hit by twin bombings while a third was detonated at metro station.
The trial, which is expected to last seven months, will no doubt trigger painful memories.
Sylvie Ingels survived the airport attack.
"It was important to be here. It’s their trial but at the same time, it’s ours. We are waiting for some answers... The last few days have been very difficult. I haven't stopped having nightmares and felt very anxious. And I came today precisely to get through that and get over my fears."
Six of the accused have already been sentenced to jail terms in France for their role in the November 2015 Paris attacks, in which 130 were killed.
That includes, Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect in the Paris trial.
Nine of the accused are charged with multiple murders and attempted murders in a terrorist context, and face potential life sentences.
All 10 are accused of participating in the activities of a terrorist group.
One of the men will be tried in absentia, but is presumed to have been killed in Syria.
The case, which will be overseen by judge Laurence Massart, will be settled by a jury with lawyers representing around 1,000 people affected by the attacks.
The trial is estimated to cost at least 35 million euros ($36.9 million) and will including hearings from some 370 experts and witnesses.
