The Frenchman, Frank Berton, and the Belgian, Sven Mary, both barristers, up to now acting for Salah Abdeslam, have decided not to defend him. This is reported today (Wednesday) in De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad.
Abdeslam, the only survivor of the commando attack, who perpetrated the Paris attacks of November 13th, 2015, has remained silent for several months.
His lawyers have drawn their own conclusions from this silence.
Me Frank Berton explained in an interview with De Standaard, “I have no wish to act as lawyer for someone who has made a conscious decision not to defend his actions.”
The French lawyer and his Belgian professional colleague, Sven Mary, have told Abdeslam that they will no longer be representing him.
Abdeslam does not wish to take adavantage of new legal representation.
Frank Berton explained, “When we told him our decision, Mr Abdeslam confirmed that he would write to the investigating judge renouncing his rights of defence.”
Frank Berton went on, “He confirmed that Allah would watch over him."
Me Berton and Me Mary took this decision when Abdeslam refused to provide an explanation for the Paris attacks.
Every time he appears before the investigating judge, he invokes his right to silence.
The Brussels Times
