French train attacker charged with terrorism

(Baonghean.vn) - The Moroccan suspect in the attack on a high-speed train in France is facing terrorism charges for what authorities say was a plan to massacre hundreds of passengers - but the suspect's relatives defended him on August 26, claiming the attacker was in a desperate situation.

Police tighten security next to a Thalys train on August 22 after the attack. Photo: AP.

The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed on August 26 that Ayoub El-Khazzani had been charged. El-Khazzani, 26, was overpowered by at least five passengers, including three Americans and a British citizen, after he attempted to attack the train with several weapons. Another citizen, a dual French-American, who tried to grab the rifle from him, is currently in hospital with gunshot wounds.

El-Khazzani denied planning an attack, saying he had simply picked up a bag of weapons and decided to use them to rob passengers.

The suspect's brother told French radio station RMC that his brother had no connection to terrorism. "I swear to God that my brother has no connection to terrorism. We are Muslims and we respect everyone. My brother must have gone crazy. His life is obviously very difficult because he has no money," he said.

The suspect's father, Mohamed, said Ayoub had recently lost his job in France and believed his son was acting out of a lack of money. "If he had nothing to eat, there is no doubt that he would want to rob," he told BFM television.

Portrait of attacker Ayoub El-Khazzani. Photo: Internet.

However, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said El-Khazzani had watched a jihadist video on his mobile phone shortly before the attack and, despite claiming to be homeless, had bought a first-class ticket to board the train. Molins added that his explanations became increasingly inconsistent before he refused to speak to investigators.

In addition to the terrorism charges, he also faces multiple charges including attempted murder, weapons possession and conspiracy.

Thu Giang

(According to AP)