France arrests men suspected of planning attack ahead of elections

[webfact]

France arrests men suspected of planning attack ahead of elections

By Emmanuel Jarry and Sarah White

REUTERS

 

French firefighters and soldiers secure the street as police conduct an investigation after two Frenchmen were arrested in Marseille, France, April 18, 2017 for planning to carry out an "imminent and violent attack" ahead of the first round of the presidential election on Sunday, France's interior minister said.   REUTERS/Philippe Laurenson 

 

PARIS (Reuters) - Two men arrested in Marseille on Tuesday planned an "imminent and violent attack" ahead of the first round of France's presidential election on Sunday, authorities said.

 

"These two radicalised men ... intended to commit in the very short-term - by that I mean in the coming days - an attack on French soil," Interior Minister Matthias Fekl told a news conference.

 

Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said in a news conference that weapons, explosives, videos and jidhadist propaganda materials had been found in the flat rented by French nationals Clement Baur, 23, and Mahiedine Merabet, 30, since April 1.

 

"A video intercepted on April 12 showed a machinegun placed on a table, with a daily newspaper from 13 March which had on its front page one of the presidential candidates.

 

"This morning the investigators managed to locate the apartment," Molins said, without naming the candidate.

 

France's internal intelligence agency had warned the main candidates of a threat, campaign officials said.

 

Comments by officials indicated that former prime minister Francois Fillon, centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen were among those alerted to the risk.

 

France goes to the polls on April 23 and on May 7 in one of the most unpredictable elections in its modern history with security a key issue after attacks by militant Islamists which have killed more than 230 people in the past two years.

 

ISLAMIC STATE

 

Molins said the Marseille suspects met in 2015, while sharing a prison cell for petty crime.

 

He said Baur had converted to Islam in 2007, was known to have had links with Chechen and Belgian jihadist networks and Belgian authorities had been investigating him.

 

A tip-off from another country had said Merabet was likely to carry out a violent act and was seeking to make contact with Islamic State, either to pledge allegiance to the group or ask it to claim responsibility for the planned attack, Molins said.

 

"The main candidates were warned in the middle of the last week that there was a risk and that two individuals had been identified. We received their photos and security of the candidates. Their meetings and headquarters were given extra protection," Macron's spokesman Benjamin Griveaux told Reuters.

 

Officials from Fillon's camp and Le Pen's National Front said they also had received word of a possible attack.

 

With the country still under a state of emergency, Fekl said 50,000 police, gendarmes and soldiers would be deployed for each leg of the election, and security reinforced for the candidates.

 

"Everything has been put in place to ensure the security of this big event for our democracy and our Republic. The security forces are mobilised everywhere across France to ensure the security of French people and to ensure the presidential campaign goes smoothly," he said.

 

Le Pen, one of the frontrunners in the race for the Elysee, is scheduled to hold the last big rally of her campaign in Marseille on Wednesday, according to her programme.

 

(Additional reporting by Matthias Blamont, Simon Carraud and Bate Felix; Writing by John Irish and Richard Balmforth; Editing by Andrew Roche)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-04-19

[LammyTS1]

More than 230 killed in the past 2 years in France because of Muslim extremists.

 

Maybe Le Pen is the only one that can potentially stop these Muslim terrorists. Who knows but something must be done quickly.

[LammyTS1]

Over 1000 people dead from road accidents in france in one year alone. France needs a strong leader to stop this.

Dead from road "accidents".

Are Muslim terrorist killings also "accidents"?

When one decides to drive a vehicle on the highways, you are always going to be at potential risk.

Are you suggesting that the French people should also accept some risk each time they step outside their home and accept the potential risk of Muslim fanatics in their homeland?



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[ilostmypassword]

30 minutes ago, LammyTS1 said:

 

Dead from road "accidents".

Are Muslim terrorist killings also "accidents"?

When one decides to drive a vehicle on the highways, you are always going to be at potential risk.

Are you suggesting that the French people should also accept some risk each time they step outside their home and accept the potential risk of Muslim fanatics in their homeland?



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I'm not suggesting but stating that the risk of dying from a terrorist attack in France is vanishingly small.  Yet some people such as yourself think it's such a crucial issue that it should be determinative of who is the next French President. If you want zero risk from a terrorist attack, you probably would need to live in a country like North Korea. Maybe for you that's an acceptable tradeoff.

[alocacoc]

 

7 minutes ago, ilostmypassword said:

I'm not suggesting but stating that the risk of dying from a terrorist attack in France is vanishingly small.  Yet some people such as yourself think it's such a crucial issue that it should be determinative of who is the next French President. If you want zero risk from a terrorist attack, you probably would need to live in a country like North Korea. Maybe for you that's an acceptable tradeoff.

Not everyone is willing to accept random terror attacks.

[ilostmypassword]

1 minute ago, alocacoc said:

 

Not everyone is willing to accept random terror attacks.

Yes, apparently there are people out there foolish enough that you can bring the risk of that down to zero.  And want to devote whatever resources and changes in the laws it takes to accomplish that.

[simple1]

On 19/04/2017 at 3:02 PM, LammyTS1 said:

More than 230 killed in the past 2 years in France because of Muslim extremists.

 

Maybe Le Pen is the only one that can potentially stop these Muslim terrorists. Who knows but something must be done quickly.

What policies has Le Pen articulated to 'stop'  Islamist terror attacks in France - None? I watched her on tonight's news, IMO her responses to her interviewer lacked sincerity  and obviously politically self serving regards the latest Islamist murder, IMO rather repulsive.

 

The attacks claimed by Daesh, besides bloody and cruel 'revenge' killings of mainly civilians, appear to aim for stimulating the destruction of democratic traditions within our societies. From an ideological POV it would be one of Daesh's aims in attempting to realise their vision for the apocalypse. On the other side of the coin I have read a proposition by a specialist in counter terrorism, who has studied the background of many of these killers, most have minimal knowledge of Islam.

Edited April 21, 2017 by simple1

[ilostmypassword]

1 minute ago, simple1 said:

What policies has Le Pen articulated to 'stop'  Islamist terror attacks in France - None? I watched her on tonight's news, IMO her responses to her interviewer lacked sincerity  and obviously politically exploitative regards the latest Islamist murder..

 

The attacks claimed by Daesh, besides bloody and cruel 'revenge' killings of mainly civilians, appear to aim for stimulating the destruction of democratic traditions within our societies. From an ideological POV it would be one of Daesh's aims in attempting to realise their vision for the apocalypse. On the other side of the coin I have read a proposition by a specialist in counter terrorism, who has studied the background of many of these killers, most have minimal knowledge of Islam.

Quite. Islamic terrorists are counting on ignorance and fear to drive Western nations to extreme measures thus proving to Muslim that the West is anti-Musliim and that there is no safe haven from Muslim extremists.

[LammyTS1]

I'm not suggesting but stating that the risk of dying from a terrorist attack in France is vanishingly small.  Yet some people such as yourself think it's such a crucial issue that it should be determinative of who is the next French President. If you want zero risk from a terrorist attack, you probably would need to live in a country like North Korea. Maybe for you that's an acceptable tradeoff.

 

And some people such as yourself think that Muslim terrorist attacks within France is not a topic that should be faced with vigour by politicians?

 

Tell that to all the innocent people's families that have been murdered in France, all in the name of Allah!

 

How can any right minded person believe the threat of terrorism should

be accepted as a day to day occurrence, similar to vehicle accidents?

 

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[ilostmypassword]

Just now, LammyTS1 said:

 

And some people such as yourself think that Muslim terrorist attacks within France is not a topic that should be faced with vigour by politicians?

Tell that to all the innocent people's families that have been murdered in France, all in the name of Allah!


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Yes. That's always a wise way to decide policy. Let it be determined by angry and vengeful people. Maybe instead of having police the French should just deputize lynch mobs.

[LammyTS1]

Yes. That's always a wise way to decide policy. Let it be determined by angry and vengeful people. Maybe instead of having police the French should just deputize lynch mobs.

Who is angry and vengeful? Sorry but you have lost me. The only ones that are angry and vengeful appear to be the Muslim fanatics in France. Correct? Or do you mean innocent victims families?

Oh yes the Police. More of which murdered by Muslim terrorists just earlier today.

Another terrorist attack in the name of Islam. Yes maybe you are correct and we should just accept it as the norm. Some people will place their heads in the sand but these cowards should not be allowed to govern France.


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[ilostmypassword]

Just now, LammyTS1 said:

 

Who is angry and vengeful? Sorry but you have lost me. The only ones that are angry and vengeful appear to be the Muslim fanatics in France. Correct? Or do you mean innocent victims families?

Oh yes the Police. More of which murdered by Muslim terrorists just earlier today.

Another terrorist attack in the name of Islam. Yes maybe you are correct and we should just accept it as the norm. Some people will place their heads in the sand but these cowards should not be allowed to govern France.


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Well, why did you invoke the familes of people who have been killed by terrorists to support your case?  Because they'd be kind and forgiving of people who murdered their loved ones? I don't understand.

As for placing heads in the sand. Presumably in France there are police and prosecutors. Presumably they do go after criminals, including terrorists. In fact, doesn't the subject line of this thread bear them out. Are they placing their heads in the sand by arresting would-be terrorists? Again, I don't understand.

[LammyTS1]

Well, why did you invoke the familes of people who have been killed by terrorists to support your case?  Because they'd be kind and forgiving of people who murdered their loved ones? I don't understand.
As for placing heads in the sand. Presumably in France there are police and prosecutors. Presumably they do go after criminals, including terrorists. In fact, doesn't the subject line of this thread bear them out. Are they placing their heads in the sand by arresting would-be terrorists? Again, I don't understand.

Placing heads in the sand can be in reference to the Muslim terrorist that was released only 5 years into a 20 year sentence for murder in France.

The same Muslim that murdered a police officer earlier today in Paris, all in the name of Allah.


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[ilostmypassword]

8 minutes ago, LammyTS1 said:

 

Placing heads in the sand can be in reference to the Muslim terrorist that was released only 5 years into a 20 year sentence for murder in France.

The same Muslim that murdered a police officer earlier today in Paris, all in the name of Allah.


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But this happens in the criminal justice system often. People who shouldn't be released are and go on to commit further heinous acts including murdering policemen. Why is this case  so special? Why does this signify "placing heads in the sand."

And to be accurate, according to what I read in the news, he was imprisoned for attempted murder. Not murder.

[LammyTS1]

But this happens in the criminal justice system often. People who shouldn't be released are and go on to commit further heinous acts including murdering policemen. Why is this case  so special? Why does this signify "placing heads in the sand."
And to be accurate, according to what I read in the news, he was imprisoned for attempted murder. Not murder.

Who mentioned this case being special?

I just hope that the person arrested in the OP is not let off so lightly like most other Muslim terrorists appearing to be known by police....




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[ilostmypassword]

Just now, LammyTS1 said:

 

Who mentioned this case being special?

I just hope that the person arrested in the OP is not let off so lightly like most other Muslim terrorists appearing to be known by police....




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Are most other Muslim terrorists being let off lightly by the police? Evidence?

[LammyTS1]

Are most other Muslim terrorists being let off lightly by the police? Evidence?

Yes most certainly. The fact that so many Muslim terrorist attacks are by "known" fanatics proves so.

Why are they free to roam the streets?



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[metisdead]

Off topic deflection posts and replies have been removed. 

[simple1]

9 hours ago, LammyTS1 said:

 

Yes most certainly. The fact that so many Muslim terrorist attacks are by "known" fanatics proves so.

Why are they free to roam the streets?



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You could ask the same question regards the extreme right / left.

 

These days I would guess most Islamist extremists resident in Western countries are careful not to cross over the legal lines in the sand and call for violence. Unless there is actual evidence of support for violence (e.g. funding), planning and so on I understand the Courts are unable to successfully prosecute. The prospect of preventative detention has been floated, but as far as I know such action only creates more problems, does not reduce actual threat.

 

 

Edited April 21, 2017 by simple1

[Khun Han]

37 minutes ago, simple1 said:

You could ask the same question regards the extreme right / left.

 

These days I would guess most Islamist extremists resident in Western countries are careful not to cross over the legal lines in the sand and call for violence. Unless there is actual evidence of support for violence (e.g. funding), planning and so on I understand the Courts are unable to successfully prosecute. The prospect of preventative detention has been floated, but as far as I know such action only creates more problems, does not reduce actual threat.

 

 

 

You couldn't ask the same question regards the extreme right/left because the extreme right/left aren't routinely involved in acts of terrorism. Whereas extrteme islamicists are.

 

A better question is: Why does the liberal left do intellectual triple somersaults to normalise islamic terrorism in the context of radical politics? Though you have astutely identified that laws in the west urgently need to be de-liberalised/de-sensitised culturally in order to curtail radical extremists playing the system.

[simple1]

44 minutes ago, Khun Han said:

 

You couldn't ask the same question regards the extreme right/left because the extreme right/left aren't routinely involved in acts of terrorism. Whereas extrteme islamicists are.

 

A better question is: Why does the liberal left do intellectual triple somersaults to normalise islamic terrorism in the context of radical politics? Though you have astutely identified that laws in the west urgently need to be de-liberalised/de-sensitised culturally in order to curtail radical extremists playing the system.

Regards your first para. Not the same tempo of murders, but from time to time, definitely.  Plus of course street level violence.

 

Normalise Islamic terror - LOL. If one listens to the security agencies Ideologues from the right of politics only add to the current challenges and more to the point are not perceived as having any 'solutions'. Unfortunately comments that I have seen in the public domain from Western security agencies all point to a long threat with no quick and easy solutions and especially not by vilification of the general Muslim population.

[happy Joe]

15 hours ago, ilostmypassword said:

I'm not suggesting but stating that the risk of dying from a terrorist attack in France is vanishingly small.  Yet some people such as yourself think it's such a crucial issue that it should be determinative of who is the next French President. If you want zero risk from a terrorist attack, you probably would need to live in a country like North Korea. Maybe for you that's an acceptable tradeoff.

Fully agree with these common sense remarks.

Let us add that with the Le Pen family affair (father, daughter, son-in-law, niece ...) it is certain that the remedy would be infinitely worse than the evil.

And as said elsewhere, nothing is worse than a politics reactive to the emotion provoked by punctual incidents.

[LammyTS1]

Policies on preventing future terrorist activities will be at the forefront of this election:-

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/20/paris-police-close-part-city-centre-amid-reports-officers-shot/

 

"François Fillon, the conservative candidate who also has a tough discourse on security, said the fight against "Islamist totalitarianism" should be the priority of France's next president."

 

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