PARIS (AP) — The Paris prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary inquiry into a statement by the sister of radical Islamist Mohamed Merah, who said she’s “proud” of her brother, who killed seven people, including three Jewish children, in March.
A judicial official said Monday that the probe for “defense of terrorism” is aimed at establishing the conditions under which Souad Merah spoke. Her words, captured by a hidden camera, were aired this weekend in a TV documentary based on an account by Merah’s oldest brother, Abdelghani. He claims the Merah children, of Algerian origin, were raised on anti-Semitism.
Interior Minister Manuel Valls denounced Souad Merah’s words, saying they can only be seen as a defense of terrorism and of anti-Semitism.
Merah was killed in a standoff with police at his Toulouse apartment.
Bridging the US-Israel divide
While the heart of The Times of Israel’s work takes place in Israel, so many of Jerusalem’s actions are influenced by those in Washington’s halls of power.
As ToI’s US bureau chief, I work to gain access to decision-makers in the United States government so our readers can understand the US-Israel relationship beyond the platitudes evident in public statements.
I'm proud of our ability to inform without sensationalizing, our dedication to be fast while ensuring accuracy, and our determination to present Israel's entire, complex story.
Your support through The Times of Israel Community helps us continue to keep readers around the world properly informed about the critical Israel-US relationship. Do you appreciate our news coverage? If so, please join the ToI Community today.
- Jacob Magid, The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
Yes, I'll join
Yes, I'll join
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this