PARIS — French anti-terrorism authorities have brought charges against five individuals suspected of using humanitarian organizations to channel funds to a third party linked to fundraising for Hamas, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) said Saturday.
According to the PNAT, the five suspects were detained on Tuesday by investigators from the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), which is leading the case.
A judicial inquiry was opened on Friday into “financing a terrorist organization, in this case Hamas.” If proven, the conduct could amount to breach of trust as well as money laundering connected to a terrorist group.
Three of the five suspects have been placed under judicial supervision at the recommendation of the PNAT. The prosecutor’s office said it had requested pretrial detention for two association presidents.
The first was placed in pretrial detention pending a postponed adversarial hearing that he had requested, the public prosecutor’s office said. His lawyer, Lucie Simon, described the move as “scandalous,” saying her client had taken part in fundraising efforts exclusively for humanitarian purposes.
The second association president was placed under judicial supervision, the PNAT said.
The identities of the two organizations and the amounts of money involved were not disclosed. Lawyers for the remaining suspects declined to comment.
The investigation began on April 21, based on allegations of terrorist financing and participation in a terrorist conspiracy to commit crimes against persons.
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