One of the three Chechen suspects detained in late July as part of an investigation into terror has been conditionally released on Friday, confirmed his lawyer Boris Reynaerts.
On 25 July, 14 searches were carried out by the Antwerp Federal Judicial Police in 9 different towns across the country as part of a Federal Police investigation into terrorism. The investigation focused on a group suspected of maintaining close ties with Khorasan’s Islamic State, an active Islamist branch in Central and South Asia.
Seven arrests were made; all suspects were of Chechen origin. One was released while the other six were brought before an investigative judge in Antwerp. The judge decided to put three under arrest: K.L., A.S., and A.A.
The suspects were accused of participating in the terror group’s activities and planning an attack. K.L. was also suspected of financing terrorism. The remaining three were released by the investigative judge, with the prosecutor stating no specific objective was evident.
On 31 July, Antwerp’s counsel chamber confirmed the arrest of K.L., A.S., and A.A. All three denied involvement. Their lawyers appealed the council chamber’s decision.
On Friday, the investigative judge released A.S. conditionally. His lawyer, Boris Reynaerts, declined to comment. The two other suspects will appear on Monday before Antwerp’s Chamber of Indictments.
