Belgian police have released independent journalist Faisal Sheffa, who was previously detained on suspicion of involvement in terrorist attacks in Brussels. The evidence against Cheffou was not confirmed

According to the Belgian federal prosecutor, whose statement was cited by the Belgian publication DH.be, journalist Faisal Cheffou, previously detained on suspicion of involvement in terrorist attacks in Brussels, has been released.

According to the prosecutor, the evidence that led to the journalist’s arrest “was not confirmed.” As the publication notes, after Sheffu’s arrest, the police searched his home, but could not find any weapons or explosives there.

Sheffou was detained by police on Friday, March 25, and the next day he was charged with participation in a terrorist group, committing terrorist attacks, murder and attempted murder.

Several factors prompted the police to detain him, the publication emphasizes. Firstly, he was spotted near the Maelbeek metro station some time after the explosion occurred there. Eyewitnesses said Sheffou's expression was surprisingly calm, while most of the people there were shocked. However, the police note that Sheffou lives near the Maelbeek station, and his presence near the explosion site can be explained by simple curiosity.

The police were also confused by Sheffu's biography. He was previously suspected of trying to recruit refugees. In addition, law enforcement officers established that he was associated with suspicious people. Cheffou knew an employee of the Brussels airport, where two explosions occurred on March 22. A man who returned from Morocco shortly before the terrorist attacks was also found surrounded by the journalist. This acquaintance of Cheffou sent a message to his girlfriend before returning from Morocco with the words: “I’m tired of life, I’m going to blow myself up.”

However, police determined that Sheffou had gone to work on the morning of the attacks. And he could not, as previously stated, be one of the participants in the terrorist attack at Brussels airport.

Earlier, the Belgian publication Le Soir reported that Sheff was identified thanks to the testimony of a taxi driver who drove him and the two alleged perpetrators of the terrorist attack to Brussels airport. Using surveillance cameras, the police established Sheff's entire route from his home to the place where he got into the taxi, the publication claimed.

Faisal Cheffou was considered an independent journalist who worked, in particular, for the Journal du Muslim. For example, last year he made his mark with an investigation in which he talked about Moroccan prisoners who were not allowed to eat in prison according to the rules of the holy month of Ramadan.

The terrorist attacks in Brussels occurred on March 22: two explosions occurred at Zavantem airport, then another at the Maelbeek metro station. According to the latest official data, the total number of deaths was 35 people, including three terrorists. 340 people were injured. The Islamic State (the organization’s activities are prohibited in Russia) took responsibility for the incident.

Police release journalist suspected of terrorist attacks in Belgium