News

Sept. 11 helper set to be released in Germany, deported

Posted August 09, 2018 7:00 am

The Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) - Germany is set to release later this year a man convicted of helping three of the suicide pilots in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Federal prosecutors say they will allow Mounir el-Motassadeq's release a few weeks before his sentence formally ends late this year, on condition that he is deported to his native Morocco. That would allow Germany to arrest him if he returns.

Bild newspaper, which first reported the news on Thursday, said he could be freed in mid-October.

El-Motassadeq was convicted in 2006 of membership in a terrorist organization and accessory to murder for aiding the three hijackers who lived in Hamburg.

He was sentenced to the maximum 15 years but will receive credit for time served after his arrest in November 2001.

El-Motassadeq's attorney didn't immediately return a call.

FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2007 file picture Moroccan Mounir El Motassadeq waits prior his trial at a court in Hamburg, northern Germany, The Moroccan man has been sentenced to a 15-year prison sentence in Germany for helping three of the suicide pilots in the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. (AP Photo/Fabian Bimmer, Pool) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers Nation and World News Region September 11 Terrorism

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.