In Spain, the first trial into the Madrid train bombings of March 11, 2004, opened Thursday. Dozens of victims were in attendance.

Pilar Manjon, head of the March 11 Victims Association: “This is the first ray of light after a long road of (initial legal work) to get to this point. For us, it is an important triumph to have arrived to this stage, the first hearing of the March 11 (trial).”

Twenty-nine suspects are standing trial. On Thursday, the alleged mastermind, Rabei Osman Sayed Ahmed, told the court he condemns the attacks unconditionally and completely. Prosecutors say Ahmed is one of four suspects who heeded a call by Osama bin Laden to attack countries backing the U.S. invasion of Iraq.