Radical Islamist begs forgiveness for destroying Timbuktu monuments

The Hague (dpa) – A radical Islamist asked for forgiveness Monday after pleading guilty to wrecking centuries-old mausoleums in the Malian city of Timbuktu, in an unprecedented war crimes case. Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi told judges on the opening day of his trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague that he regretted his actions. “I…