Trial of suspected Tunisia museum attackers adjourned until October

A newly-opened trial over the 2015 attack on Tunisia's Bardo museum that killed 21 tourists and a policeman has been adjourned until 31 October, officials said on Wednesday.

The attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State group, was perpetrated by two gunmen who opened fire at the popular tourist attraction in Tunis.

The first hearing of the new trial saw some 22 suspects attend a court in Tunis for a procedural session on Tuesday.

An unnamed court source said four other suspects who are not under arrest had not been present. A further 30 fugitives are sought by authorities in connection with the attack, the source added.

The suspects are being tried for "terrorist crimes", according to the French Association for Victims of Terrorism and Imed Belkhamsa, a lawyer for victims of the attacks.

Under a 2015 anti-terror law, the defendants could face the death sentence, however, Tunisia has had a moratorium on implementing capital punishment since 1991.

Since the 2011 "Jasmine Revolution", Tunisia has faced a series of IS and al-Qaeda inspired attacks that have also claimed the lives of more than 100 soldiers and police.

Shortly after the Bardo shootings, 38 foreign holidaymakers were killed in a gun and grenade attack on a beach resort near the city of Sousse.

In November 2015, a suicide bombing in the capital killed 12 members of the presidential guard.

The IS group claimed responsibility for all three attacks.