In the trial surrounding the terrorist attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg more than five years ago, a jury in Paris sentenced one of the perpetrators’ assistants to 30 years in prison. Two other suspects received prison sentences of four and five years respectively.
By purchasing weapons, the 42-year-old main defendant helped the perpetrator, whose Islamic radicalization was known to him, to carry out his terrorist plans, the court ruled on Thursday evening.
The court sentenced two other defendants, who also helped purchase weapons without being aware of the attack plans, to prison terms of four and five years. Another was acquitted. The 2018 attack killed five people and injured 11 others. An appeal against the verdicts is still possible.
The killer was killed in gun battle
On the evening of December 11, 2018, the Islamist Chérif Chekatt attacked people with a firearm and a large knife in alleys and squares in the Alsace metropolis of Strasbourg. He initially managed to escape in a taxi. Two days later he was killed during a shootout with officers in Strasbourg after a major manhunt in the French-German border area.
The terrorist militia Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack. Chekatt had pledged his loyalty to IS in a video. The attacker, who has multiple criminal records and North African roots, is said to have been radicalized in prison and was known to authorities as an Islamic threat.
Weapons found in apartment before attack
Just hours before the attack, weapons, including grenades and knives, were found during a search of his apartment. The police wanted to arrest the 29-year-old for attempted murder, but the man was not at home. His father told him that the police were approaching – after which Chekatt apparently decided to carry out his already planned attack that same evening.
In addition to the killed and injured victims, a large number of direct eyewitnesses were also seriously traumatized. About 1,000 people accessed mental health services after the attack, and many are still receiving treatment.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
