Sarcelles: Arrest of suspect in Spain in inquiry into planned attack
A man arrested under a European arrest warrant was remanded in custody on 9 October for his alleged role as an instigator. The classification as a terrorist case remains pending.
Counter-terrorism judicial investigation
According to Actu17, a suspect residing in Spain was arrested pursuant to a European arrest warrant and presented in Paris on 9 October. He is suspected of being one of the instigators of a planned attack in Sarcelles, a commune in Val-d'Oise. The investigating judge remanded him in custody following his committal for trial.
Like the six other men questioned in July, this suspect is being prosecuted only for common-law offences — principally organised theft. No terrorist charges have been brought at this stage, although the investigation remains classified under the counter-terrorism regime. A source close to the case stated that "it is only at the end of the investigation that the terrorist line will be definitively abandoned or pursued".
Origins of the inquiry
The inquiry began in late July following an alert transmitted by the Directorate-General for Internal Security (DGSI). The National Counter-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) had then reported a "possible Islamist attack targeting a synagogue in Sarcelles". On 11 July, a Toyota was found in a busy district of the commune (approximately 60,000 inhabitants). The vehicle contained an AK-47 assault rifle, a Beretta pistol and several magazines.
However, sources urged caution regarding the true target of this plan. Moïse Kahloun, president of the Jewish community of Sarcelles, had stated on 12 July that "there are, at this stage, no elements allowing a direct link to be established with the Jewish community". A cinema in the area had been evacuated, but the synagogue had not been subject to special measures.
Role of the six other suspects
The six men committed for trial in July are suspected of having participated in the transportation of the vehicle or in the supply and delivery of weapons. The PNAT indicated that investigations did not establish, "at this stage", their knowledge of the terrorist plot. Two of them contest the allegations through their lawyers: Maître Steeve Ruben stated that his client "contests any link with a terrorist operation", whilst Maître Hector Lajouanie stated that his "contests all the facts alleged against him".
Source: Actu17