Belgique : projet d'attentat au Botanique et suivi des mineurs radicalisés - RTBF Info

Summary

The script discusses a joint French-Belgian counter-terrorism operation that led to the arrest of three teenagers aged 15 to 17 in France and four young men in Belgium, suspected of planning an Islamist attack on the Botanical Garden. The investigation focuses on the minors, with one showing more advanced plans. Despite the serious threat, no weapons or explosives were found during the arrests. The judicial system's approach to handling radicalized minors is highlighted, emphasizing individualized measures and de-radicalization efforts, with the aim of protecting society and the youth's future.

Takeaways

• 🔍 France and Belgium share intelligence on terrorism cases, leading to the arrest of three teenagers aged 15 to 17 in France.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The teenagers are suspected of having contact with four young men arrested in Belgium for an Islamist attack plot against the Botanical Garden.
• 📱 Analysis of a suspect's phone indicates potential surveillance of the stadium, suggesting a more serious threat.
• 🚨 The investigation focuses on one of the minors who seemed to have more concrete plans, including potential execution and reconnaissance.
• 🔫 No weapons or explosives were found during the weekend arrests, indicating the threat level is still under assessment.
• 🤝 The commonality among the arrested minors is their participation in messaging groups discussing Islamic extremism, jihadism, and violent action.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The judicial system treats young radicalized individuals like any other minor delinquent, with a focus on their personality, the facts, and the potential danger they pose.
• 🏢 Young radicalized individuals are handled by the youth court and may be placed in a youth protection institution (IPPJ) with a tailored approach.
• 👨‍🏫 The young person is then supported by a multidisciplinary team trained in deradicalization, aiming to protect society and help the individual reconsider their path.
• ⏳ A stay in an IPPJ can last several months, and after release, a support team helps the young person reintegrate into society.
• 📝 The reports from the support team cover both the personality of the young individuals and their families, as well as their relationship to the facts of the case.
• 🌟 Radicalized youth represent a minority of the cases seen by the Youth Court.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the investigation involving the adolescents arrested in France and Belgium?

The main focus of the investigation is on the potential terrorist activities, specifically an Islamist attack plot, and the adolescents' involvement in such plans, including their communication with the suspects arrested in Belgium.

How many adolescents were arrested in France, and what were they suspected of?

Three adolescents, aged 15 to 17, were arrested in France. They are suspected of having been in contact with the four young men arrested in Belgium and are accused of association with terrorists.

What was found during the analysis of the phone of one of the suspects arrested over the weekend?

The analysis of the phone indicated the existence of surveillance at the current stadium, suggesting a potential target for an attack.

What was the age range of the minors arrested, and how does the judicial system handle such cases?

The minors arrested were between 15 and 17 years old. The judicial system handles their cases through the youth court, with a judge taking charge of their dossiers and considering their personalities, the severity of their actions, and the potential danger they pose to society.

What happens to the minors arrested for radicalization and potential terrorist activities?

They are placed under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, social workers, and specialized educators, with the aim of deradicalization and reintegration into society.

What is the role of the public institution for the protection of youth (IPPJ) in handling these cases?

The IPPJ can place the young radicalized individuals in either an open or closed regime, where they are then guided by professionals trained in deradicalization efforts.

How long can a stay in the IPPJ last, and what happens after release?

A stay in the IPPJ can last for several months. After release, a support team helps the young person reintegrate into society, with reports covering both the individual's personality and their relationship with the facts of the case.

Are there any differences in how young radicalized individuals are treated compared to other minors accused of different crimes?

There is no specific treatment for young radicalized individuals; they are treated based on the same criteria as any other young person, with the law prioritizing family placement unless deemed necessary to place them in an IPPJ.

What was the outcome for the four suspects arrested in Belgium?

Three of the four suspects were handed over to an investigative judge, and due to their age, they were placed in a closed institution for minors.

How does the judicial system ensure the protection of society and the individual in these cases?

The system ensures protection by prioritizing the interests of society and the individual, with a focus on deradicalization and providing support for the young person to question their beliefs and consider a new path to prevent recidivism.

What is the role of the Brussels judge mentioned in the script?

The Brussels judge is involved in the evaluation of the cases, considering the facts, the young person's denial or admission of the facts, and the progress made in relation to the case.