Investigation of Main Suspect in Paris Attacks Begins

Investigations into Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect and sole survivor of the Paris attacks that left 130 victims, began on Friday, May 20. Although he is one of the most significant leads remaining from the attacks, lawyers representing a group of victims have expressed doubts about the significance of the investigation's results. Abdeslam was injured and arrested during a major operation in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, on March 18 of last year, and was transferred under strict security measures to a prison in southeast Paris last month. French police refer to him as the main suspect in the largest terrorist attacks in the country's history. The 26-year-old, of Moroccan descent and French nationality, grew up in Belgium. Investigating him could provide clues about the planning and execution of the Paris attacks and may clarify the relationship between these attacks and the Brussels attacks, which were orchestrated by a network linked to the 'Islamic State' group. The Brussels attacks killed 32 people. He is a childhood friend of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, another Moroccan-Belgian who has been labeled the 'mastermind' of the Paris attacks. Abaaoud was killed during a police raid in Paris. According to what investigations have revealed so far, he likely drove three of the Paris suicide bombers to the national stadium in France's capital to carry out their attacks. He has directly supported the suicide operations, and an explosive belt was found near one of the locations he was present at. He is likely the one who rented the car and house for the attackers. Surveillance camera footage showed that two people took him to Brussels. Frank Berton, Abdeslam's lawyer, told AFP that he intends to provide explanations about himself. Nevertheless, doubts have been raised about the significance of the police's main investigation results regarding Abdeslam himself. Gérard Schimla, a lawyer representing nearly 50 victims of the Paris attacks, told AFP, 'He may cooperate or confirm some signs and findings or provide a clue.' However, according to Mr. Schimla, 'We should not trust everything he says and expect extraordinary results.' Jean Reinhardt, another victims' lawyer, also stated that he does not expect Abdeslam to show any 'specific good intentions.' Sven Mary, Abdeslam's lawyer in Belgium, had previously described him as a 'little fool' with 'the intelligence of an empty ashtray' before he was transferred to France. Mr. Mary also stated that he was more of a 'follower' than a 'leader' of the group. Abdeslam has also told lies that have been proven to be untrue, including that he had only seen Abaaoud once, while they have a history of committing crimes together in their teenage years. Following the investigation of Abdeslam, French officials will meet with the families and friends of the victims in Paris on May 24 and 26 to provide them with explanations. In this context, six people have been arrested in Belgium in connection with the Brussels bombings. The DNA of the Brussels bomber had previously been found in the Paris attacks. Belgium is handing over the mastermind of the Paris terrorist attacks to France. The Brussels attackers 'intended to carry out operations again in Paris.'