Syrian refugee to defend himself on terror charges on Monday
A 32-year-old Syrian man facing terrorism charges after allegedly admitting to membership of ISIS is to defend himself before a magistrate in Alexandroupoli on Monday.
The suspect was arrested last Thursday after visiting the northeastern city to check the progress of his asylum application. Authorities picked him up for violating a restriction order imposed after his wife accused him of participating in terrorist acts following earlier claims of domestic abuse.
According to police sources, the suspect initially admitted to having participated in militant groups in his homeland, apparently in the belief that this would bolster his claim that his life was at risk in Syria and secure asylum.
However, when detained on terrorism charges, he tried to hang himself in a police cell. He was hospitalized briefly before being returned to custody on Friday. Police are examining videos and photos on his cellphone in a bid to determine whether he poses a terrorist threat.
