Paris attacks suspect Abdeslam will be handed over to France in 90 days

While France expects extradition of Paris attacks suspect in three months, Abdeslam’s lawyer said he would fight it

Paris: French Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas said yesterday that Belgium will hand over top Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam to France in no more than three months.

Salah Abdeslam. File Pic/AFP

“The definitive decision... should be taken within 60 days of his arrest or 90 days if he lodges an appeal,” Urvoas said in a statement.

Abdeslam’s lawyer Sven Mary said in Brussels that he would fight his extradition to France, arguing that “there is still a Belgian investigation that should be carried out.”

The French justice ministry said 90 days was the maximum time it would take for his transfer. A probe judge has formally charged Abdeslam with “participation in terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation,” a Belgian prosecutor said.

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