(JTA) — Belgian prosecutors indicted a Frenchman accused of helping a gunman kill four people at the Jewish Museum of Belgium last year.
The defendant, Nacer Bendrer, was extradited from France earlier this week and formally charged Thursday with complicity in the May 24, 2014 terrorist attack, the French news agency AFP reported.
Bendrer, 26, was arrested in December near Marseille, France, the same city where authorities arrested the alleged gunman in the attacks, French national Mehdi Nemmouche. Belgian and French authorities believe that Nemmouche, who is now on trial and denies killing anyone, is a Muslim fanatic who carried out the attack after returning from Syria, where he had fought with jihadists.
Bendrer denied any connection with Nemmouche.
Police said they found a Kalashnikov style assault rifle, two automatic pistols, a hunting rifle, and a magazine and ammunition when Bendrer was arrested.
Video surveillance footage of the attack on the Jewish Museum shows a man armed with a Kalashnikov.
Federal prosecutors confirmed late last month that the authorities were looking for a possible accomplice to Nemmouche.
On Jan. 15, Belgian police carried out a series of raids to foil what they said was an imminent Islamist plot to kill police officers. Two suspected militants were killed.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
