King appeals for unity in Belgian terror probe
9th suspect accused in Paris attacks that killed 130.
— The investigation LONDON into the extensive involvement of Belgians in the Paris terrorist attacks widened Thursday with news that a 30-yearold Belgian man had been arrested on terrorism charges.
After weeks of withering criticism of Belgium’s government, the king appealed for unity Thursday, while also warning that there would be “zero tolerance” of extremist preachers. At least 500 Belgians are believed to be fighting alongside Islamic State militants in Iraq or Syria — the most, as a proportion of the population, of any country in the European Union.
The man facing terrorism charges, identified only as Abdoullah C., was detained Tuesday just outside the Molenbeek neighborhood of Brussels, where many of the attackers lived or had ties.
An investigative judge issued an arrest warrant for involvement with “terrorist murders and participation in the activities of a terrorist organization,” according to the federal prosecutor’s office in Brussels. Officials said they had not announced the arrest right away to avoid tipping off possible accomplices.
Abdoullah C. is the ninth man to face criminal charges in Belgium in connection with the Nov. 13 attacks, which killed 130 people.
In addition, a global manhunt continues for Salah Abdeslam, 26, a Belgian-born Frenchman believed to be the only direct participant in the attack who is still alive, and Mohamed Abrini, 30, who was seen on video driving with Abdeslam two days before the attacks.
The Paris attacks prompted intense scrutiny of ineffective and convoluted governance in Belgium, where a vast majority of the attackers had ties.
In his annual Christmas message, which was prerecorded but broadcast on Thursday, King Philippe offered exceptionally blunt remarks.
“We continue, unfortunately, to be marked by the dramatic attacks perpetrated in Paris, and realize the dangers that continue to weigh on us,” said the king, who as a constitutional monarch is required to stay above politics but who serves as the symbol of the nation.
Philippe said that Belgian authorities had “reacted with calm, speed and determination” to the terrorist threats, but he added, “The recent events proved how important it is to invest in justice, the police, the army and intelligence services.”
He also appealed for tolerance, saying that a large majority of Belgians of immigrant backgrounds “share the values of our country,” and that “they are the sons and daughters of this country.”
“It seems important to me to return to the foundation of our society, to what we most wish to hold on to: our values and the rules of coexistence,” he said. “This implies that we teach our children to respect different religions and philosophical convictions. What they all share is the desire to give meaning to life, to respect others and to be open toward them. Respecting these common rules also implies zero tolerance toward hate speech. It means fighting, day after day, all forms of stigmatization and segregation, and helping people who are drawn to fanatical indoctrination to resist.”