More than half of the suspects accused of participating in Islamist militant attacks in Mozambique’s gas-rich northern province of Cabo Delgado have been acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

The province’s court has confirmed the acquittals.

The court’s spokesperson, Zacarias Napatima, said those acquitted are among 186 suspects on trial.

The high number of acquittals is thought to be due to lack of expertise in prosecuting terrorism-related cases.