The possible conditional release of Mohamed Bakkali, a key figure in the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks, is causing outrage among victims' families. According to Franceinfo, Bakkali, described as the "logistician" of the attacks, is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence in Belgium, where he is incarcerated in the prison of Ittre, located about 30 kilometers from Brussels. Bakkali was also sentenced to 25 years in prison for his involvement in the foiled Thalys attack in 2015.
The Belgian justice system is considering Bakkali's conditional release, which is scheduled to be reviewed on September 29. This decision has caused significant distress among the families of the 132 victims of the November 13 attacks. Franceinfo reported that the victims' families view this situation as an affront to French justice. This question is today douloureusement vécue by many victims of the November 13, 2015, attacks, according to La Croix.
To address the concerns of the victims' families, the Belgian justice system organized a meeting on September 16 in Paris to explain the situation to the families. The meeting aimed to provide clarity and transparency regarding the conditional release process and the rationale behind the decision to consider Bakkali's release.
Mohamed Bakkali, a Belgo-Marocain, was sentenced to 30 years in prison by French justice in 2022 for his role in the November 13 attacks. The decision to review his conditional release has sparked intense debate and emotional reactions from the families of the victims. The families feel that the possibility of Bakkali's release is an affront to the justice system and the memory of their loved ones.
The Belgian justice system is set to review Bakkali's case on September 29, and the outcome of this review will determine whether he will be granted conditional release. The families of the victims are anxiously awaiting the decision, which they see as a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for justice and closure.