GERMANY -- RELEASE OF SUSPECT IN ATTEMPTED TRAIN

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 002740 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/15/2016 TAGS: PTER ASEC KCRM GM SUBJECT: GERMANY -- RELEASE OF SUSPECT IN ATTEMPTED TRAIN BOMBING CASE REF: BERLIN 2253 Classified By: Economic Minister-Counselor Robert F. Cekuta for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (SBU) The German Federal Prosecutor's Office announced September 14 the release from investigatory detention of Fadi Al Saleh, one of three individuals arrested in connection with the July 31 attempted bomb attacks on the German railway system (Reftel). Al Saleh, a Syrian national, is suspected of involvement in planning the failed attacks. Two alleged accomplices remain in custody in Germany and Lebanon. ¶2. (SBU) The official press release from the Federal Prosecutor's Office cited lack of evidence as a basis for the decision. According to the Prosecutor, interrogation of the alleged accomplice in detention in Lebanon, Jihad Hammad, did not yield sufficient corroborating evidence to meet the burden of proof required under German law to warrant continued investigatory detention. ¶3. (C/NF) German officials confirmed to Legatt that interviews of Hammad did not yield corroborating evidence sufficient to hold Al Saleh. Lothar Freischlader, Diplomatic Adviser to Interior Minister Schaeuble, told Global Affairs Counselor that Al Saleh remains a subject of investigation and that German law enforcement officials plan to monitor his movements while the investigation continues. Freischlader noted frustration in the Interior Ministry over the decision to release Al Saleh, but conceded that the evidence developed thus far was not sufficient under German law to permit continued detention. TIMKEN JR