Terrorist threat – The Indictment division confirms that the suspect apprehended in Verviers is in custody

Marouane El Bali, one of the suspects from the terrorist cell in Verviers, will stay in prison, the Brussels Indictment division decided on Monday. This is according to the federal Prosecutor’s Office. On the 15th of January, the suspect was in Verviers in an apartment stormed by the specialized federal police units. His lawyers claim he has nothing to do with terrorism. According to the defense, the 25 year old man was in the shower when police arrived, and jumped out the window when he heard the first shots.  The two other individuals who lived in the apartment were killed after firing at officers.

At the scene, investigators found four large guns, four handguns, ammunition, explosives, and police uniforms, as well as numerous compromising documents. The Prosecutor’s Office thinks the two suspects killed were preparing to attack police officers and police stations. Marouane El Bali is said to have provided logistical support, which he denies.  

“Investigators say he used a bugged telephone number, but my client says he borrowed the phone from someone else”, said Counsel Didier Le Quevy.

The mobile phone in question belonged to Mohamed Hamja Arshad Mamood Hajni. He was also taken into custody, but is invoking his right to remain silent.

(Source: Belga)


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