dannie
7th September 2006, 18:36
Thu 7/09/06 - Police have raided premises across Belgium as part of an investigation into right wing circles. Several army barracks and the homes of a number of members of the armed forces were also raided.
The co-ordinated police operation started at 11 A.M. Most of the searches were concentrated in the Dendermonde area (East Flanders) and in Limburg province.
The investigation into far right circles started in the Dendermonde area two years ago. Many of the members of the armed forces who are suspects live in Limburg province.
Searches were carried out at the homes of several members of the armed forces, but also in army buildings including Leopoldsburg barracks.
Some twenty people have been led away for questioning.
Far right targeted
The suspects are thought to have links with far right splinter groups. They include neo-Nazis, skinheads and members of groups like Blood and Honour.
They are suspected of violations of arms legislation and anti-racism and anti-terrorism legislation.
As a result the federal public prosecutor's office co-ordinated the operation.
Under new anti-terrorism legislation membership of an organisation that wants to damage democracy is sufficient to risk a conviction.
The suspects are now being questioned.
The federal public prosecutor's office will then decide whether the suspects will have to appear before an investigating magistrate.
The co-ordinated police operation started at 11 A.M. Most of the searches were concentrated in the Dendermonde area (East Flanders) and in Limburg province.
The investigation into far right circles started in the Dendermonde area two years ago. Many of the members of the armed forces who are suspects live in Limburg province.
Searches were carried out at the homes of several members of the armed forces, but also in army buildings including Leopoldsburg barracks.
Some twenty people have been led away for questioning.
Far right targeted
The suspects are thought to have links with far right splinter groups. They include neo-Nazis, skinheads and members of groups like Blood and Honour.
They are suspected of violations of arms legislation and anti-racism and anti-terrorism legislation.
As a result the federal public prosecutor's office co-ordinated the operation.
Under new anti-terrorism legislation membership of an organisation that wants to damage democracy is sufficient to risk a conviction.
The suspects are now being questioned.
The federal public prosecutor's office will then decide whether the suspects will have to appear before an investigating magistrate.