During interrogation, “the man in the hat” expressed that the case is beyond everyone, as he had given up on blowing himself up at Zaventem airport. He admitted his involvement in the double explosion at Zaventem and stated that he confessed from day one. Additionally, he claimed that he did not know that the events in the metro were going to happen in Maelbeek. He acknowledged that he had pledged allegiance and joined the Islamic State, but did not consider himself a part of a terrorist group. Mohamed Abrini drew a comparison between the absence of main perpetrators in the trial of the Brussels attacks and that of the Paris attacks. According to him, the current trial is like a “theatre”. During his interrogation, Salah Abdeslam expressed that he did not participate in the Brussels attacks and believed his presence in the box was an injustice. He spoke regarding his family, his upbringing, and his qualities, claiming that he always wanted to do good.
“This case is beyond us all,” added “the man in the hat”, who had given up on blowing himself up at Zaventem airport, during the interrogation on his personality.
The accused, from the start of the questions from the president, acknowledged his involvement in the double explosion in Zaventem. “I confessed from day one,” he said, explaining that he didn’t want to confess at first, until another individual was suspected of being the man in the hat.
Also read: Salah Abdeslam’s reaction to Wednesday’s trial
For the events in the metro, “I did not know that it was going to happen in Maelbeek”, replied Mohamed Abrini. As for participation in the activities of a terrorist group, the third and final charge once morest him, “I stated that I had pledged allegiance, that I had joined the Islamic State. But belonging to a group terrorist, I wouldn’t call it that.”
“Everyone knows that in Paris, there was neither sponsor, nor head of external operations, nor the members of the commando of the terraces. There was not the top of the pyramid”, remarked Mohamed Abrini , drawing a parallel with the absence from trial of the main perpetrators of the attacks in Brussels.
“If I were honest, I wouldn’t be here”: the turn of the defendants to speak at the trial of the Brussels attacks
The verdict of the French Assize Court would have been different for him and his co-defendants in Paris if officials like Abdelhamid Abaaoud, coordinator of the November 13 attacks, or Oussama Atar, who had the same role for those in Brussels, had appeared there, argued Mohamed Abrini.
In the eyes of “the man in the hat”, the current trial is likened to “theater”, with “its lights and its costumes”, he described, in front of a packed courtroom on Wednesday morning.
Salah Abdeslam: “I always wanted to do good”
Salah Abdeslam took advantage of the mention of his criminal record during his interrogation by the president of the Brussels Assize Court, Laurence Massart, to express himself. “My presence in this box is an injustice”, protested the accused. “I did not participate in these facts. The plan of attacks in Brussels started following my arrest and the distribution of the photo of the El Bakraoui brothers. I was in prison and knew nothing.” In the preamble, the thirties had answered no to the three questions concerning the recognition of any guilt for the attacks committed in Zaventem and Maelbeek and for his participation in a terrorist group.
The man was expansive regarding his family, extolling a “brave” mother, who gave him a “good education” and an “admirable, cultured, reserved” father who “never raised his hand on me”. His three brothers were “protective and benevolent”, but he was particularly close to his brother Brahim, a member of the November 13 terrorist commando. “It was my example,” explained the 30-year-old.
“My family regularly comes to visit me in prison, it is a major pillar of my survival,” added Salah Abdeslam. “I’ve been in prison for several years and I’m going to stay there for a long time. It’s extremely difficult and, if you don’t have support, it’s even more complicated.”
On his qualities, Salah Abdeslam said he was polite, honest and sincere. “I’ve always wanted to do good, it’s more rewarding than doing bad,” he also claimed. Regarding his shortcomings, the accused might not really answer, but admitted to being reserved and easily influenced “when it is for a good cause”.
Trial of the Brussels attacks: as expected, Osama Krayem asserts his right to silence
As the trial of the Brussels attacks comes to a close, it is clear that the horrors of that day will continue to be felt for years to come. The defendants have presented their cases, and the judges will now deliberate to determine their guilt or innocence. However, one thing is certain: the victims and their families will never forget the pain that was inflicted upon them. As we reflect on this tragic event, let us remember those who lost their lives and honor their memory by continuing to fight once morest the spread of terrorism and hate.
