Suspect detained in Bangkok denies connections to Hezbollah

The Lebanese-Swede national will present his case to the court on Wednesday

BANGKOK (AP) — A Lebanese man accused of links to Hezbollah militants has told reporters outside a Thai court that he is not a terrorist.

Atris Hussein was expected to enter a plea at Bangkok’s Criminal Court on Wednesday to charges of illegally possessing explosive materials. He faces up to five years in prison.

Hussein was arrested January 12 at Bangkok’s international airport. He led police to a warehouse packed with more than four tons of urea fertilizer and other materials that can be used to make bombs.

The arrest came as the US and Israel warned of a terrorist threat in Bangkok against Americans and Israelis. Thai media reported at the time that the Israeli Embassy was among the targets.

Hussein also holds a Swedish passport.

Israel & the Region
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Hezbollah
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