A court in Bruges (West Flanders) has sentenced a Chechen national to 15 years in prison for several terrorist offences. Three other defendants, including the man's wife and brother, were also sentenced to prison terms. ‘There were particularly precise and elaborate plans to carry out attacks,’ says press judge Amélie Van Belleghem.
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Chechen terrorist sentenced to 15 years in prison for planning attack in Belgium
Colin Clapson
Published:
In May last year, police raided several addresses in West and East Flanders. In the process, seven suspects were arrested and detained. They were suspected of preparing at least 1 terrorist attack in Belgium.
The heaviest sentence was for the leader of the group, Abubakar S. He was given a 15-year prison sentence. Further judicial measures to protect society can be imposed for a further 10-years.
His wife, who also participated in the group's activities and supported her husband in his plans, received an eight-year jail term.
Two more defendants, including S.'s brother, received suspended prison sentences and a fine. One defendant was acquitted.
Plans very concrete and elaborate
Press magistrate Amélie Van Belleghem speaks of ‘very elaborate and concrete plans for a terrorist attack.’
‘The group rented a garage to stockpile weapons, looked up police approach times, took measures for their children and visited precise locations for several attacks. Only thanks to police intervention could these be thwarted.’
The investigation revealed that the group wanted to carry out attacks in several neighbourhoods in Antwerp, at an LGBTQ bar, at a police station and even at a NATO building.
Spreading fear
The central figure of the network, Abubakar S., received the harshest sentence. He explicitly stated that he wanted to spread fear and cause damage to the economy. He also forwarded videos showing how to make a bomb and took an oath of allegiance to IS.
In addition, he recruited new members, raised funds and arranged for IS to claim responsibility for the attacks afterwards.
During the trial, Abubakar S. interrupted the judge several times. He hurled insults at the judge and eventually had to be taken back to his cell.
According to his lawyer, Pieterjan Dens, S. was particularly unhappy about the conviction of his brother, who he said had nothing to do with the case. He was one of the defendants, who was sentenced to a suspended prison sentence.