Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam faces judges’ questions

Journalists surround Frank Berton, lawyer of Salah Abdeslam, outside the courthouse after the arrival of the Paris attacks suspect at the main law court in Paris. Gonzalo Fuentes / Reuters

PARIS // The leading suspect in last November’s Paris attacks is facing questioning Friday for the first time since his extradition from Belgium last month, and authorities hope Salah Abdeslam’s testimony sheds light on ISIL’s strategies in Europe.

Abdeslam was scheduled to be transferred Friday morning from a high-security prison in the Parisian suburb of Fleury-Merogis to the main Paris courthouse for questioning by investigating judges.

A car that arrived at the courthouse was believed to be carrying Abdeslam, though court officials would not confirm or deny his presence. Extra gendarmes are posted throughout the imposing Palace of Justice, on an island in central Paris.

Abdeslam, 26, was given a string of preliminary terrorism charges after his transfer from Belgium, where he was arrested after four months on the run.

He is the only suspect still alive believed to have played a direct role in the November 13 bloodshed at a rock concert, stadium and Parisian cafes, which killed 130 people. The other attackers died in suicide bombings or under police fire.

Authorities and families of attack victims hope Abdeslam’s testimony will shed light on how ISIL plotted the attacks, solve mysteries that remain about what exactly happened Novemeber 13, and identify others who might have been involved.

His lawyer Frank Berton refused to comment before Friday’s session, which could last all day. After Abdeslam was brought to France, Mr Berton said Abdeslam was ready to cooperate and wanted to explain his route to radicalisation.

* Associated Press