Charlie Hebdo terrorism trial to begin in Paris

Fourteen people go on trial Wednesday on terrorism charges over the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris in January 2015.

17 people were killed when gunmen stormed the offices of the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and attacked a kosher supermarket.

All three attackers died.

The attacks were claimed by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.

Those on trial include the wife of one of the attackers, as well as a network of men who supplied guns, ammunition, transportation and bulletproof vests.

Three of the defendants are being tried in absentia.

Defence lawyers argue that the suspects believed the equipment was intended for a crime, but that they knew nothing about the plot to storm the Charlie Hebdo editorial offices or the Hyper Cacher supermarket in Paris.

Lassana Bathily, a Mali-born employee of the kosher supermarket, was hailed a hero for saving the lives of some of the customers who were inside the store when it was attacked.

He's also a plaintiff in this case, and says he hopes the trial will reveal the full truth about what happened.

The trial will last until November 10.

(Image Credit Pixabay)