Jewish museum suspect Nemmouche says was 'tricked'

A suspected extremist insisted Tuesday that he's innocent of terrorism charges over the 2014 killing of four people at Belgium's Jewish museum, as the jury in his trial prepared to consider its verdict.

Weeks after telling the Brussels criminal court that he would reveal the truth "when the time is right," Mehdi Nemmouche on Tuesday said only that he was "trapped" into involvement in the slaying.

"If I could change things, I would change everything," the 33-year-old Frenchman, wearing a black shirt and top and flanked by police officers in ski masks, said in remarks lasting less than 20 seconds.

Mr Nemmouche is charged with four counts of 'terrorist murder' over the killing of an Israeli couple and two staffers at the Brussels Jewish Museum. His alleged accomplice, Nacer Bendrer, 30, stands accused of supplying the revolver and assault rifle used in the shooting.

Prosecutors claim that Mr Nemmouche trained and fought with ISIS in Syria. The museum shooting compounded fears that European extremists would use combat experience from places like Syria or Iraq to sow terror back home.

The 12-member jury is set to hand down its verdict on Thursday. In a secret ballot, the jury must decide by a majority vote whether Mr Nemmouche is guilty. He will likely be sentenced on Friday, and could face up to 30 years in prison.

Whatever the verdict, Mr Nemmouche would remain in prison as he must face charges in France of taking hostages in Syria.

For most of the trial, Mr Nemmouche has exercised his right to silence, but on Tuesday he urged the jury not to take that silence as "disrespect."

In more than six hours of case summary last week, defence lawyer Sebastien Courtoy argued that Iranian or Lebanese security officials were behind the killings, and that one, or both, of the murdered Israelis could have been Mossad agents.

Brussels Jewish museum terror attack trial opens

Germany to target dual nationals to address ISIS threat

Michele Hirsch, a lawyer for the Coordination Committee of Jewish Organisations in Belgium, described Mr Courtoy's summary as "hallucinatory, delirious, completely incoherent."

In his final remarks to the jury on Monday, Mr Courtoy said: "It's impossible for you not to have some doubt. For me, it's just not possible."

"It might feel more comfortable for you to condemn him," he said. "But if you think he's innocent, please, don't be afraid to say it."

Addressing the jury, Mr Nemmouche's co-accused, Mr Bendrer said: "Today I'm scared, I didn't do anything. But I'm scared. I say to myself, maybe they didn't understand."

If you go...

Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.

Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50

MATCH INFO

World Cup qualifier

Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')

UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: HyperSpace

Started: 2020

Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Entertainment

Number of staff: 210

Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners

The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet

Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder

Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km

Tips on buying property during a pandemic

Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.

While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.

While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.

Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.

Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.

Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.

Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.