Anti-terrorism measures – 3 suspects from Verviers terror cell appear before judge

Anti-terrorism measures – 3 suspects from Verviers terror cell appear before judge

The 3 suspects who have been charged in the investigation on the Verviers terror cell were brought before Brussels council chamber on Wednesday morning. Judges were to decide later in the day whether they should be remanded in custody or not. 2 of the suspects deny any involvement in the terrorist cell. The attorney of the third suspect (Billel O.) was unavailable for comment. One of the suspects is 25 years old and was arrested in Verviers on Thursday. He was with 2 other suspects who were shot dead in an exchange of gunfire with the police force. He is suspected of providing logistical support to the terrorists, and refutes the accusation.

“He happened to be in Verviers to visit a friend and because he knows the place well,” explained his attorney Didier De Quevy. “He knew nothing whatsoever about an attack being prepared and has never been seen during surveillance operations. Investigators insist he used a phone number they were tapping, but he denies it.”

Attorneys De Quevy and Amrani, who have teamed up to defend the suspect, have yet to ask for their client’s release. His mother has also been charged but not arrested.

A second suspect is using his right to remain silent, but according to his attorney he denies any involvement in terrorism. “He does not fit the profile of an extremist in the slightest,” explains his attorney Thomas Descamps. “He worked for Stib for 4 years and is extremely he has been thought to be involved in this case. He is suspected of supplying certain items but denies it all.”

(Source: Belga)  


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