Marouane El Bali, one of the suspects in the case of the terrorist cell in Verviers, appeared before the Grand jury in Brussels on Monday. According to his defence team, he is absolutely not involved with terrorism. Last January 15th, he was found in the flat stormed by special units of the federal police force. According to his lawyer, the 25-year-old man was having a shower when the police raided the flat and he jumped out of the window when he heard shots fired. The other 2 people in the flat were shot dead when they opened fire on the police.
On site, investigators found 4 weapons of war, 4 handguns, ammunition, explosives, police uniforms, as well as numerous incriminating documents, amongst other things. For the federal prosecutor, the 2 suspects who were killed were about to attack policemen and police stations. Marouane El Bali allegedly gave them logistical support, which he denies.
Investigators say he allegedly used a phone number which was being tapped, but my client contends he had borrowed someone else’s phone,” reports Didier DeQuevy. “If that is true, he must be released.” The mobile phone in question allegedly belongs to Mohamed Hamja, who has also been charged, but he is currently invoking his right to remain silent.
(Source: Belga)
