Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BERLIN2740
2006-09-15 15:59:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Berlin
Cable title:
GERMANY -- RELEASE OF SUSPECT IN ATTEMPTED TRAIN
how-toVZCZCXYZ2418 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHRL #2740 2581559 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 151559Z SEP 06 FM AMEMBASSY BERLIN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5291 INFO RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC RUEAHLC/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHDC RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
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)
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
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