| Follow-up on yesterday's story. EFL. |
The clues police found indicate that they were very likely planning an attack somewhere in Denmark,Â’ Justice Minister Lene Espersen told The Associated Press. It was the most serious matter I have had in my time as justice minister,Â’ she said. Police went in and stopped the group as it was preparing an attack.Â’
Officials said the nine suspects arrested were Danish citizens between the ages of 18 and 33. Findsen said eight had immigrant backgrounds, but did not specify from what countries. Two of them were released later Tuesday, but the other seven arrived for a closed court hearing in Odense, handcuffed with plastic strips that were removed upon the request of the defense lawyers.
Prosecutor Erik Terp Jensen demanded that they be held in custody on preliminary charges of plotting terror acts as the investigation continues. The maximum sentence is life in prison, although such sentences are commuted after 16 years under Danish laws.
| So they get a second chance to commit a terrorist act. |
Investigators did not reveal the planned target of the attack, and said it was hard to evaluate how far the suspects had progressed in their preparations. With the general terror situation, the Danish Security Intelligence Service didnÂ’t want to run any unnecessary risk,Â’ Findsen said.
| The Danes generally are a sensible people. |
Abu Bashar denied knowing el Hajdib, but said it was a matter of time before terrorists would strike Denmark.
| "Youse guys are gonna get it by Allan!" |
Abu Bashar said he knew the suspects arrested Tuesday as members of OdenseÂ’s Muslim community, and predicted they would be found innocent. I believe that very, very soon they will be released,Â’ he said.
| And deported along with your fat ass. How's Mauritania sound? |