French diplomat charged over links to far-right anti-Muslim 'terrorist' group

French diplomat charged over links to far-right anti-Muslim 'terrorist' group
A French diplomat has been held since June over links to a far-right Islamophobic group.
1 min read
13 September, 2019
The diplomat has been charged for links to an ultra-right anti-Muslim group. [Getty]
A French diplomat posted in San Salvador has been charged over alleged links to an ultra-right anti-Muslim group, a source close to the case said Thursday.

The suspect was arrested in France in June by the internal security directorate, DGSI, then charged for associating with "members of a terrorist group", the source said, confirming a report in Le Parisien newspaper.

The diplomat was "not just a sympathiser" but an "active" member of the ultra-right Action of Operational Forces (AFO) group, the source said.

Thirteen suspected members of the group were charged with belonging to a criminal group last year.

Among these was a retired police officer believed to be the group's leader.

According to Le Parisien, the French diplomat was involved in online attack schemes.

He was charged on June 6 and suspended from his diplomatic duties.

The AFO cell promises "to fight against the Islamist threat".

Last summer firearms, ammunition and components of the powerful explosive TATP were found at the homes of the 13 arrested.

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