Surviving prime suspect of Paris attack refuses to answer questions in court as his trial begins

The trial of the prime surviving suspect in the 2015 Islamic State attacks on Paris Salah Abdeslam, 28, has begun in Brussels with reports revealing that the once wanted man refused to answer questions in court.

Reports say when asked by the judge to rise and identify himself, the suspect who was flanked by two masked Belgian police officers said; “I do not wish to answer questions.”

Citing his right to silence and declaring his Muslim faith, he accused the media of condemning him before his trial: “Judge me. Do as you want with me,” he told the judge.

“I put my trust in my Lord.”

Read also: Paris attack prime suspect extradited to France from Belgium

”I remain silent. That is a right which I have, “he said, adding: “My silence does not make me a criminal or guilty.

“I am defending myself by remaining silent.”

Recall that ISIS released a statement at the time claiming responsibility for the horrific attacks in Paris which killed more than 200 people and was described by local security operatives as coordinated.

Calling the attack “blessed,” an audio statement released online in Arabic and French said that ISIS “soldiers” targeted the “capital of prostitution and obscenity, the carrier of the banner of the Cross in Europe.”

The statement said eight attackers were involved and claimed the attack was the “first of the storm and a warning to those who wish to learn.”

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest update

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now