15-year-old arrested in France in war against terrorism

ACCORDING to the French Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, France continues to be under constant threat of terrorist attack although the authorities are vigilant and foiling plots literally every day with 15,000 people being monitored at all times.

Only on Saturday September 10, a 15-year-old boy who has apparently been under surveillance and some form of house arrest since November 13 last was formally arrested for allegedly being in contact with a Daesh operative in Syria and was about to undertake what is described as ‘imminent and violent’ attacks.

Although there has been criticism of the manner in which troops and police have been deployed across France protecting schools, synagogues and other sites, Mr Valls is convinced that his intelligence tells him that “There will be new attacks. There will be innocent victims.”

In the meantime, prosecutors have charged a 29-year-old woman with regards to the abortive attack on Notre Dame Cathedral and she too was allegedly in contact with the same person in Syria as the 15-year-old.

Apart from the fact that security in France is a major matter of real concern due to the danger to citizens, it is now becoming a politicised matter as former President Nicholas Sarkozy is leading with this and his proposals as part of his attempt to be re-elected President in 2017.