Status: 04/19/2022 17:43
The terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015 shook France. The assassins would also have received support from Belgium. Now, 14 suspected accomplices are on trial in Brussels.
The trial of alleged accomplices in the November 2015 Paris attack began in Brussels. Nine of the 14 defendants appeared in court. Two others are believed to have died in Syria. Most defendants face charges of “participating in the activities of a terrorist organization”, which can result in several years in prison.
The trial, which is scheduled to last until May 20, is taking place under high security at the former NATO headquarters near Brussels airport. The verdict is expected before the end of June.
Help before and after attacks
The alleged accomplices would have supported the attackers before and after the attacks in the French capital, mainly from Belgium, serving as drivers, providing accommodation or obtaining false documents. Some of the accused are also linked to the Brussels attacks in March 2016. At that time, a total of three bombs exploded in the Belgian capital, killing 32 people. The same terrorist cell is suspected to be behind the attacks in Paris and Brussels.
The Paris concert hall “Bataclan” was one of the targets of the terrorist attacks. Image: AFP
During the series of attacks in Paris, extremists shot dead 130 people at the Bataclan concert hall and in bars and restaurants. There were 350 wounded. At the Stade de France, three suicide bombers blew themselves up during an international football match between Germany and France. The Islamic State (IS) terrorist militia claimed responsibility for the crimes. In France, a total of 20 suspects were charged in connection with the attacks.
Trial begins against alleged accomplices in Paris terror attacks
Birgit Raddatz, ARD Brussels, 19 April 2022 18:02