Ex-Soviet Soldier Reappears to Stand Trial
Former Soviet army soldier whose relatives were told he died a hero in the Afghan war nearly two decades ago — and were given a coffin to bury — appeared in an Uzbek courtroom Tuesday accused of membership in an al-Qaida-allied terrorist group. Kosim Ermatov, 38, was extradited from Pakistan in June and is facing charges he belongs to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, his relatives said. He could face the death penalty if convicted of the most serious terrorism charges. Full Story