Paris – France French authorities have placed three men in pre-trial detention after charging them on suspicion of preparing to join the ISIS organization in Africa and potentially planning attacks against the Jewish community in France, according to the national anti-terrorism prosecution.
Investigations Began in July
The French national anti-terrorism prosecution explained that the investigations began in early July, were assigned to the General Directorate for Internal Security and intelligence services, and focused on the jihadist activities of individuals in a WhatsApp group named “Soldiers of Allah.” These investigations led to the arrest of the three men and their detention on Tuesday, before the public prosecution launched a judicial investigation on Friday on charges of terrorist criminal conspiracy.
Judge Requests Pre-Trial Detention
A judge was appointed to investigate the case, requesting that the suspects be indicted and placed in pre-trial detention, as part of continuing investigations into their activities and potential links to the ISIS organization. This case comes at a time when French authorities continue to monitor activities related to jihadist organizations, especially regarding recruitment attempts and planning for attacks inside or outside the country.
Potential Connection to a Detainee in America
According to RTL radio, one of the suspects was in contact with Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old woman suspected of planning a bomb attack on a New York state government building on behalf of the Islamic State organization, before her arrest in the United States in August. A source familiar with the case told AFP that there is a connection between one of the arrested men and a woman arrested by the American Federal Bureau of Investigation. French authorities continue their investigation to determine the nature of these links and the extent to which the suspects are connected to the plots under investigation.
