Suspect charged with terror offences for allegedly plotting 'imminent' attack

The Paris prosecutor says a Frenchman arrested last week has been charged with a string of terrorism offences for allegedly plotting an "imminent" attack.

Wed, 30 Mar, 2016 - 20:11

The Paris prosecutor says a Frenchman arrested last week has been charged with a string of terrorism offences for allegedly plotting an "imminent" attack.

Francois Molins said the suspect, Reda Kriket, is accused of participating in a terrorist group with plans for at least one attack, possessing and transporting arms and explosives, and holding fake documents.

Mr Molins says Kriket is believed to have travelled to Syria in 2014 and 2015 and made several trips between France and Belgium.

At least three other people are in custody in the case in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Mr Hollande said he had no choice but to abandon the move, as France's two houses of parliament disagreed on the Bill and a compromise "seems out of reach".

He added: "I very much regret that attitude."

The citizenship rule could not be applied to people who are French citizens only, as France's obligations under international law prevent it from leaving a person stateless.

The same Bill aimed to introduce the state of emergency into the constitution in order to adapt the state of emergency to a long-term threat.

Under the current law from 1955, the state of emergency lasts 12 days and can be extended for an indefinite period by a vote of the parliament.

The "threat remains higher than ever," Mr Hollande said, adding he is committed to "ensure our country's security and protect the French from terrorism".

The country's state of emergency, swiftly declared by the government on the night of the attacks, was recently extended to May 26.

It extends some police powers of search and arrest and limits public gatherings, among other changes.