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French authorities under pressure to explain release of priest's killer Teenagers who killed French priest made film declaring allegiance to Isis
(about 1 hour later)
French authorities are under intense pressure to explain how they let a would-be jihadi loose to kill a priest after judges believed the teenager’s claims that he regretted trying to join Islamic State and was not an extremist. The teenage jihadis who murdered a priest celebrating mass in a French church made a video pledging their allegiance to Islamic State before the attack, it was reported on Wednesday.
Adel Kermiche had twice attempted to reach Syria to join Isis when he appeared before an investigating judge earlier this year, it emerged on Wednesday. Despite repeat warnings from the state prosecutor that there was a major risk he would reoffend if freed from prison, he was given parole after convincing judges he wanted a new start “to see my friends, to get married”. Two men, believed to be Adel Kermiche and his accomplice, named in unconfirmed reports as Abdel Malik P, are shown in the video released by Isis’s Amaq news agency.
He was ordered to wear an electronic tag to monitor his movements, but Kermiche, 19, used his freedom to murder 86-year-old Catholic priest Jacques Hamel as he celebrated mass in the church at Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen in Normandy on Tuesday, forcing the elderly cleric to his knees before slitting his throat. The minute-long film shows one of the men speaking in Arabic, while the other nods in agreement. At the end both pray out loud. The second man is displaying a piece of paper on which the Isis flag is printed.
The teenager, accompanied by another man, took five others hostage, including three nuns and two worshippers, one of whom, an 86-year-old parishioner, they left for dead after trying to cut his throat. The attackers were shot by police as they walked out of the church. It is the third time in nine days Isis followers in Europe have sent video footage pledging allegiance to the Islamist group before carrying out attacks. The previous two films were made by an Afghan refugee who hacked at passengers on a train in Würzburg, Germany, wounding five people on 18 July, and a 27-year-old Syrian who blew himself up outside a bar in Ansbach, also in Germany, injuring 15 people on 24 July.
It was the second major terrorist attack in France in less than two weeks after a Isis follower ploughed a lorry into crowds celebrating Bastille Day on 14 July in Nice, killing 84 people and injuring hundreds more. Witnesses to the Normandy church attack say Kermiche and the second man, a 19-year old from Aix-les-Bains in the Savoie region, also filmed themselves slitting the throat of Father Jacques Hamel, 85, as he celebrated mass in Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen.
The second hostage-taker in Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray has not yet been named. French authorities have come under intense pressure to explain how they let Kermiche loose after judges believed his claims that he regretted trying to join Isis and was not an extremist.
On Wednesday the wife of the injured hostage said the attackers had handed her husband, Guy, a phone and demanded that he take photos or video of Hamel after he had been killed. Her husband was then knifed in four places by the attackers and is now hospitalised with serious injuries. Kermiche had twice attempted to reach Syria to join Isis when he appeared before an investigating judge earlier this year, it emerged on Wednesday. Despite repeat warnings from the state prosecutor that there was a major risk he would reoffend if freed from prison, he was given parole after convincing judges he wanted a new start “to see my friends, to get married”.
He was ordered to wear an electronic tag to monitor his movements, but Kermiche, 19, used his freedom to murder the Catholic priest on Tuesday, forcing the elderly cleric to his knees before slitting his throat.
The teenager and his accomplice took five others hostage, including three nuns and two worshippers, one of whom, an 86-year-old parishioner, they left for dead after trying to cut his throat. The attackers were shot by police as they walked out of the church.
It was the second major terrorist attack in France in less than two weeks after an Isis follower ploughed a lorry into crowds celebrating Bastille Day on 14 July in Nice, killing 84 people and injuring hundreds more.
On Wednesday the wife of the injured hostage said the attackers had handed her husband, Guy, a phone and demanded that he take photos or video of Hamel after he had been killed. Her husband was then knifed in four places by the attackers and is now in hospital with serious injuries.
The woman, identified only as Jeanine, told RMC radio that her husband played dead to stay alive. Two nuns were held hostage along with the couple and the priest.The woman, identified only as Jeanine, told RMC radio that her husband played dead to stay alive. Two nuns were held hostage along with the couple and the priest.
“The terrorists held me with a revolver at my neck,” she said, adding it was not clear to her now whether the weapon was real or fake. “He [the priest] fell down looking upwards, toward us.”“The terrorists held me with a revolver at my neck,” she said, adding it was not clear to her now whether the weapon was real or fake. “He [the priest] fell down looking upwards, toward us.”
Shock and grief at what France’s president, François Hollande, described as an “act by Islamic State terrorists”, turned to anger 24 hours after the attack, when details of Kermiche’s release from jail were revealed.Shock and grief at what France’s president, François Hollande, described as an “act by Islamic State terrorists”, turned to anger 24 hours after the attack, when details of Kermiche’s release from jail were revealed.
Details from the police investigation into Kermiche, published by Le Monde, showed he was first interviewed by anti-terrorist officers on 20 March 2015 when an Adel Bouaoun, also from Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray entered Syria carrying a French identity card in Kermiche’s name. Details from the police investigation into Kermiche, published by Le Monde, showed he was first interviewed by anti-terrorist officers on 20 March 2015 when an Adel Bouaoun, also from Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, entered Syria carrying a French identity card in Kermiche’s name.
Related: The Guardian view on terror in Europe: the search for a political answer | Editorial
Three days later Kermiche disappeared, but was arrested in Munich that evening on a coach to Belgrade carrying his brother’s identity card.Three days later Kermiche disappeared, but was arrested in Munich that evening on a coach to Belgrade carrying his brother’s identity card.
Kermiche’s father told police he was a religious fanatic and his sister added: “It took two months (for him to become radicalised) and he was no longer my little brother. It was religion above everything … I don’t know what happened to him, it was a real brainwashing.”Kermiche’s father told police he was a religious fanatic and his sister added: “It took two months (for him to become radicalised) and he was no longer my little brother. It was religion above everything … I don’t know what happened to him, it was a real brainwashing.”
He was sent back to France where he was given conditional parole while awaiting trial. He spent his 18th birthday in police custody and was officially put under investigation on 28 March, then released under court supervision requiring that he report to police and remain in the area.He was sent back to France where he was given conditional parole while awaiting trial. He spent his 18th birthday in police custody and was officially put under investigation on 28 March, then released under court supervision requiring that he report to police and remain in the area.
On 11 May 2015, less than two months later, Kermiche broke the terms of his probation and flew to Istanbul with a 15-year-old friend he had encountered two weeks previously on Facebook. The teenagers were expelled from Turkey and Kermiche was flown back to France where he was placed in jail awaiting trial.On 11 May 2015, less than two months later, Kermiche broke the terms of his probation and flew to Istanbul with a 15-year-old friend he had encountered two weeks previously on Facebook. The teenagers were expelled from Turkey and Kermiche was flown back to France where he was placed in jail awaiting trial.
The 15-year-old accomplice told detectives their aim had been to go to Syria and “die there as quickly as possible”.The 15-year-old accomplice told detectives their aim had been to go to Syria and “die there as quickly as possible”.
While in jail, Kermiche, described by police as “naive and easily influenced”, was interviewed between October 2015 and February 2016 for a character report, which found he had been treated for psychological problems between the ages of six and 13.While in jail, Kermiche, described by police as “naive and easily influenced”, was interviewed between October 2015 and February 2016 for a character report, which found he had been treated for psychological problems between the ages of six and 13.
A primary school report stated: ‘Angel or demon? Depends on the day, sometimes a model child … more often aggressive, angry and not in a fit state to work.” The report also stated that he was expelled from secondary school in his second year for “behavioural problems” and had also spent time in a hospital secure ward and psychiatric unit. Although teachers said he was brighter than other children, he was warned about physical and verbal violence against classmates. He left school at 16. A primary school report stated: “Angel or demon? Depends on the day, sometimes a model child … more often aggressive, angry and not in a fit state to work.” The report also stated that he was expelled from secondary school in his second year for “behavioural problems” and had also spent time in a hospital secure ward and psychiatric unit. Although teachers said he was brighter than other children, he was warned about physical and verbal violence against classmates. He left school at 16.
Le Monde said the character report was produced when Kermiche appeared before the judge in February this year when he insisted he was not an extremist, citing the fact he often missed morning prayers because he had difficulty getting up in time.Le Monde said the character report was produced when Kermiche appeared before the judge in February this year when he insisted he was not an extremist, citing the fact he often missed morning prayers because he had difficulty getting up in time.
The judge, who has not been named, decided to release him after hearing he had “suicidal thoughts” in prison and believing that he had “realised his mistakes … and is determined to take steps towards re-entering society” with the help and support of his family. The court heard his parents “had admitted they preferred to know their son was incarcerated and alive than free and en route for Syria. If they have agreed to welcome him home, it’s because they sincerely believe he’s made a mistake and won’t try to leave again”. The judge, who has not been named, decided to release him after hearing he had “suicidal thoughts” in prison and believing that he had “realised his mistakes … and is determined to take steps towards re-entering society” with the help and support of his family. The court heard his parents “had admitted they preferred to know their son was incarcerated and alive than free and en route for Syria. If they have agreed to welcome him home, it’s because they sincerely believe he’s made a mistake and won’t try to leave again.”
The public prosecutor declared the arguments “not very convincing” adding “however much he claims he’s made an error and asks for a second chance, there’s a very strong risk he’ll do the same thing again if freed”. However, the prosecutor’s appeal against Kermiche’s release order was thrown out by a second court and he left jail on 18 March. The public prosecutor declared the arguments “not very convincing”, adding that “however much he claims he’s made an error and asks for a second chance, there’s a very strong risk he’ll do the same thing again if freed”. However, the prosecutor’s appeal against Kermiche’s release order was thrown out by a second court and he left jail on 18 March.
The terms of his release required him to be fitted with an electronic bracelet, to live at his parents’ home and only go out in the local area between 8.30am and 12.30pm on weekdays.The terms of his release required him to be fitted with an electronic bracelet, to live at his parents’ home and only go out in the local area between 8.30am and 12.30pm on weekdays.
Stéphane Le Foll, spokesperson for the Socialist government, said he was in favour of an evaluation of electronic tagging of terror suspects. The former president, Nicolas Sarkozy, accused Hollande of being out of touch and called for the detention or electronic tagging of all those suspected of being Islamist militants, even those who have not committed an offence.Stéphane Le Foll, spokesperson for the Socialist government, said he was in favour of an evaluation of electronic tagging of terror suspects. The former president, Nicolas Sarkozy, accused Hollande of being out of touch and called for the detention or electronic tagging of all those suspected of being Islamist militants, even those who have not committed an offence.
Only seven people awaiting trial on terror charges, and six who have been condemned on terrorist-related offences, are currently free on conditional release and fitted with electronic bracelets in France. Of the 285 suspects formally put under investigation in terror cases, 264 are being held in prison. However, there are serious concerns that French prisons may be a breeding ground for radicalisation.Only seven people awaiting trial on terror charges, and six who have been condemned on terrorist-related offences, are currently free on conditional release and fitted with electronic bracelets in France. Of the 285 suspects formally put under investigation in terror cases, 264 are being held in prison. However, there are serious concerns that French prisons may be a breeding ground for radicalisation.
On Wednesday evening, as the questions and criticism raged, Hollande led a mass homage to Father Hamel at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, and security was stepped up once more across the country. Related: French media to stop publishing photos and names of terrorists
On Wednesday evening, as the questions and criticism raged, Hollande led a mass homage to Father Hamel at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and security was stepped up once more across the country.
The interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, said the police force’s operational reserve would be increased after 2,500 people volunteered to join up following the Nice attack, and more anti-terror forces would be deployed outside Paris.The interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, said the police force’s operational reserve would be increased after 2,500 people volunteered to join up following the Nice attack, and more anti-terror forces would be deployed outside Paris.
The authorities in Cannes on the French Riviera announced they were banning large bags or cases on the beaches.The authorities in Cannes on the French Riviera announced they were banning large bags or cases on the beaches.
In Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, shocked locals left candles, flowers and messages outside the local mairie. Several lamented that the town of 27,000 inhabitants had been a place of peace between religions, citing the local Yahia mosque, built on land ceded by the nuns at the Sainte Thérèse church for the symbolic sum of €1. In Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, shocked locals left candles, flowers and messages outside the town hall. Several lamented that the town of 27,000 inhabitants had been a place of peace between religions, citing the local Yahia mosque, built on land ceded by the nuns at the Sainte Thérèse church for the symbolic sum of €1.
Frédéric Tran, a Rouen psychologist who set up a crisis centre, said many locals had come to speak of their fears.Frédéric Tran, a Rouen psychologist who set up a crisis centre, said many locals had come to speak of their fears.
“They never thought such a thing could happen to them and in such a way,” he said. “It has caused a lot of anguish and a feeling of widespread insecurity.”“They never thought such a thing could happen to them and in such a way,” he said. “It has caused a lot of anguish and a feeling of widespread insecurity.”
Former anti-terrorism judge Marc Trévidic said on Wednesday he had put Kermiche under investigation and warned that his case was not unique.Former anti-terrorism judge Marc Trévidic said on Wednesday he had put Kermiche under investigation and warned that his case was not unique.
“I was faced with someone who was determined to leave. I could never imagine he would kill a priest in his church [but] his case was typical of an individual who wants to leave at any price but whom we use legal means to stop. So they take their revenge by bringing the jihad to France,” Trévidic told l’Express magazine. “I was faced with someone who was determined to leave. I could never imagine he would kill a priest in his church [but] his case was typical of an individual who wants to leave at any price but whom we use legal means to stop. So they take their revenge by bringing the jihad to France,” Trévidic told L’Express magazine.
The French prosecutor who objected to Kermiche being free warned he would flee to Syria. Instead, Kermiche used his daily four-hour break from home to bring murder and terror to a small French village. The French prosecutor who objected to Kermiche being freed warned he would flee to Syria. Instead, Kermiche used his daily four-hour break from home to bring murder and terror to a small French village.