French Terror Suspect Tells Court He’s a Victim

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — A French citizen with ties to the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris has told a court in Bulgaria he is a victim of injustice.

Mourad Hamyd was arrested on a French arrest warrant in Bulgaria for allegedly planning to join the Islamic State group in Syria or Iraq.

He is the brother-in-law of one of the men who attacked the satirical newspaper in January 2015. He was initially suspected of a role in that attack, but his classmates launched a successful campaign to clear his name.

Hamyd agreed Wednesday to be extradited to France, but shouted "This is unjust!" before entering the courtroom.

At the end of the hearing he added: "I think that I am a victim of injustice. I have been declared a terrorist only because of suspicions."

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit