The French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office, known by its French acronym PNAT, confirmed to EFE that the two individuals involved were placed in temporary detention after being brought to a police station on accusations linked to terrorism and complicity in terrorist murders. The identities of these suspects were not disclosed publicly, a common practice in ongoing terrorism investigations as authorities work to protect privacy and preserve the integrity of the proceedings.
The case unfolds as French investigators pursue a clearer understanding of the network surrounding Abdesalem Lassoued, a figure tied to a violent incident that prompted a rapid international response. Lassoued was killed by Belgian law enforcement on the following day, as Belgian authorities pursued leads following the broader incident. In Belgium, a group of Swedish football supporters were targeted in what officials have described as an attack connected to the violent act. Two members of the group died and a third was injured, with ISIS-affiliated claims cited in the aftermath by radicalized channels. The investigation seeks to map how these events are interlinked and what direct or indirect connections may exist in Strasbourg’s region or beyond. [citation needed]
As the probe advances, questions center on Lassoued’s exact role and the circumstances that brought him into contact with European security forces. His irregular status in Belgium has complicated legal proceedings, including a pending extradition request from Tunisia. Authorities there have indicated a desire to pursue a conviction arising from a prior case involving attempted murder. The Belgian side, however, faced a controversial lapse that led to a political resignation within the justice ministry, underscoring how legal missteps can ripple through national institutions even amid urgent security matters. Observers note that the current phase focuses on establishing the factual timeline, the relationships among suspects, and any operational links that could inform prevention and disruption strategies for future threats. [citation needed]