The attack targeting the Bataclan concert hall left 90 dead. AP
The attack targeting the Bataclan concert hall left 90 dead. AP
The attack targeting the Bataclan concert hall left 90 dead. AP
The attack targeting the Bataclan concert hall left 90 dead. AP

Europe

France orders charges against 20 over 2015 Paris attacks

Mastermind believed to have been killed fighting for ISIS in Syria or Iraq

The National

March 16, 2020

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French judges have charged 20 people over the ISIS-directed attacks on Paris in 2015 that killed 130 people.

This includes a Belgian man believed to have masterminded the attack who was once held in Iraq's notorious Abu Ghraib prison before being freed and sent home.

  • The Paris attacks killed 130 people on a single day in Paris four years ago. AFP
    The Paris attacks killed 130 people on a single day in Paris four years ago. AFP
  • A large crowd gathered to lay flowers and candles for the victims after 130 people were killed and hundreds injured in the terror attacks. EPA
    A large crowd gathered to lay flowers and candles for the victims after 130 people were killed and hundreds injured in the terror attacks. EPA
  • On November 13, 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo released balloons at the 11th district town hall in Paris. AFP
    On November 13, 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo released balloons at the 11th district town hall in Paris. AFP
  • Georges Salines and Azdyne Amimour prior to an interview about their book, a dialogue between the father of a victim and that of a Bataclan terrorist, in Paris. AFP
    Georges Salines and Azdyne Amimour prior to an interview about their book, a dialogue between the father of a victim and that of a Bataclan terrorist, in Paris. AFP
  • The book, 'We Still Have Words' is written as a dialogue between the two, to teach tolerance and resilience at a time when they say both seem in short supply. AP
    The book, 'We Still Have Words' is written as a dialogue between the two, to teach tolerance and resilience at a time when they say both seem in short supply. AP
  • Samy Amimour, one of the Bataclan attackers. Courtesy Editions Robert Laffont
    Samy Amimour, one of the Bataclan attackers. Courtesy Editions Robert Laffont
  • The Bataclan concert venue was the target of attacks on in November 2015. Reuters
    The Bataclan concert venue was the target of attacks on in November 2015. Reuters
  • French President Emmanuel Macron gives his condolences to relatives of victims near the Bataclan concert venue at an event in 2017.
    French President Emmanuel Macron gives his condolences to relatives of victims near the Bataclan concert venue at an event in 2017.
  • US president Barack Obama pays his respects with French president Francois Hollande and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo at a memorial outside the Bataclan venue in Paris in 2015. AFP
    US president Barack Obama pays his respects with French president Francois Hollande and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo at a memorial outside the Bataclan venue in Paris in 2015. AFP
  • Jesse Hughes, right, and Julian Dorio, members of Eagles of Death Metal band, mourn in front of the Bataclan concert hall to pay tribute to the shooting victims in Paris, France on December 8, 2015. Reuters
    Jesse Hughes, right, and Julian Dorio, members of Eagles of Death Metal band, mourn in front of the Bataclan concert hall to pay tribute to the shooting victims in Paris, France on December 8, 2015. Reuters

Three of the group, including the alleged mastermind, Oussama Atar, are believed to have died in the group's final months of fighting in Iraq and Syria.

Also accused is the only survivor of the Paris cell, Salah Abdeslam, who was arrested near his home in Brussels after months on the run. Abdeslam's brother, Brahim, blew himself up in Paris.

Of the 20, 11 are jailed, three are under house arrest and six face international arrest warrants.

All are charged with terrorism offenses. Atar is charged as the leader.

The November 3 2015, attacks were linked to March 2016 bombings in Brussels.

IraqBelgiumISISFrance