Possible release of Bakkali, logistics operative in 13 November attacks: victims' anger
Mohamed Bakkali, sentenced to 30 years in France, could benefit from conditional release in Belgium. Victims denounce a betrayal.
Bakkali soon free? Victims of 13 November face possible release
Mohamed Bakkali, logistics operative for the 13 November attacks, could be released from prison within a fortnight, according to France Info. Sentenced in 2022 in Paris to 30 years' imprisonment with a security period of 20 years, he is incarcerated in Belgium — a country that does not apply security periods imposed by foreign courts. A hearing is scheduled for 29 September to make a final decision.
Tried in Paris alongside Salah Abdeslam, Bakkali had been convicted of providing the safe houses and vehicles used during the attacks, and of coordinating their logistics. He had also been previously convicted by French courts for his participation in the Thalys attack, committed three months before 13 November 2015. The Belgian sentencing enforcement court ruled in favour of conditional release with electronic monitoring, citing exemplary conduct in detention and reintegration efforts.
"A great feeling of betrayal"
The prospect of release has provoked a strong reaction amongst victims and their relatives. "There is a great feeling of betrayal in all this. Ultimately, we had a trial lasting 10 months and we realise afterwards that it was probably not French law that applied, but Belgian law," said Arthur Dénouveaux, Bataclan survivor and former president of the Life for Paris association.
Dominique Kielemoes, president of the 13/11/15 Fraternité et Vérité association, expressed the same indignation: "He was after all responsible for the death of 130 people on the streets of Paris, and nearly 450, nearly 500 wounded. And, after 10 years, he could be allowed out at weekends, or even get out altogether?" George Salines, father of Lola, a Bataclan victim, highlighted the absence of any admission of responsibility: "I have never heard him say: 'I acknowledge what I did and I regret it'."
Belgian prosecutors oppose release, meeting organised in Paris
Faced with the anger and bewilderment of the victims, the Belgian authorities brought together the civil parties in Paris to attempt to defuse the controversy. The Brussels public prosecutor's office, for its part, opposes any conditional release. The final decision remains pending the hearing on 29 September.
Source: France Info