Former Partner of Paris Attacks Terrorist Faces Serious Charges
French authorities have charged the former partner of the country's most notorious living terrorist with plotting violent acts, as France prepares to mark ten years since the devastating 2015 Paris attacks. Maeva B, a 27-year-old French national, stands accused of attempting to smuggle extremist materials to her former partner, Salah Abdeslam, who is currently serving a life sentence for his central role in the November 2015 atrocities.
Details of the Alleged Plot
According to French prosecutors, Maeva B allegedly delivered a flash drive containing jihadist propaganda and plans for potential new attacks to Abdeslam during a prison visit. The 36-year-old terrorist, who is the sole surviving member of the ISIS cell responsible for the coordinated shootings and bombings that killed 137 people and injured nearly 500, is imprisoned at Vendin-le-Vieil Prison near Lille.
Following nearly a week of questioning, Maeva B was formally charged with 'criminal conspiracy for terrorist purposes with a view to preparing crimes against persons'. This serious offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine exceeding £250,000.
Investigators claim that Maeva B has become 'firmly radicalised' and maintains a 'fascination with holy war'. She reportedly admitted to purchasing a USB stick, loading it with extremist content, and passing it to Abdeslam during her visit.
Wider Investigation and Security Concerns
The case has expanded beyond Maeva B, with police detaining two additional suspects described as her associates - a 17-year-old and a 20-year-old man identified as her 'new religious husband'. Both individuals have been charged and remain in custody.
Searches conducted at Maeva B's residence allegedly uncovered further plans for violent action targeting civilians, according to sources close to the investigation. Despite the USB drive itself not being recovered, the probe has been extended to include terrorist conspiracy allegations.
The relationship between Maeva B and Abdeslam began when she wrote letters to him in prison, eventually leading to what sources describe as a 'religious phone marriage' to the Belgium-born terrorist. This was followed by 'marital visits' that became so frequent that French authorities had to publicly deny rumours that she was pregnant with his child.
Abdeslam, who was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole in 2022 following a high-profile trial, is permitted limited computer access strictly for academic purposes, according to the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office.
As France approaches the tenth anniversary of the horrific attacks that targeted the Stade de France, bars, restaurants, and the Bataclan music venue where 90 people lost their lives, the country remains on high alert for further terrorist activity. The recent charges serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing the nation.
