Judge names new suspect in Madrid train bombings case

THE judge who led the investigation into the Madrid train bombings named a new suspect yesterday, saying he was close to suspected ringleaders, and asked Moroccan authorities to arrest him.

The man was identified as Moroccan Abdelilah Hriz.

Judge Juan del Olmo said DNA matching that of Hriz, 29, was found on a comb at a suburban Madrid apartment where seven alleged ringleaders of the March 2004 attack blew themselves up as police moved in to arrest them three weeks after the bombings.

Del Olmo said DNA from Hriz was also found on clothing at a rural cottage outside Madrid where the 10 bombs used in the attacks were allegedly prepared.

Del Olmo is an investigative magistrate.

Three other judges are currently conducting a trial of 29 people charged in the attacks, which killed 191 people and injured more than 1,800.

In an order released yesterday, Del Olmo said Hriz is “an alleged member of and participant” in the cell that carried out the attacks.

He said Hriz faces preliminary charges, including 191 counts of terrorist murder and more than 1,811 counts of attempted terrorist murder.