Radicalized brothers face judge over alleged jihadist plot near French prison

Sunday 15 March 2026 - 16:20

Two brothers suspected of radicalization have been brought before a judge in northern France after investigators uncovered what authorities believe could be a potential jihadist plot near a prison facility.

The incident occurred on March 10 near the penitentiary center of Longuenesse, located in the Pas-de-Calais region. According to French prosecutors, police officers from the Saint-Omer police station were conducting patrols after reports of a drone flying above the prison. During their surveillance operation, officers noticed a parked vehicle close to the facility and decided to carry out a routine check.

Inside the car, officers reportedly found a loaded semi-automatic weapon with 9 mm ammunition, along with materials that raised security concerns, including hydrochloric acid, aluminum items, and a flag associated with the extremist organization known as the Islamic State group. The discovery prompted immediate intervention by authorities.

The two suspects, identified as Elyasse H., 22, an engineering student, and his younger brother Moad H., 20, who is currently unemployed, were taken into custody. Both men hold Italian and Moroccan nationalities and reportedly arrived in France in 2017 after spending several years in Italy.

French counterterrorism prosecutors have opened a judicial investigation on suspicion of involvement in a terrorist criminal network and illegal possession and transport of weapons connected to a terrorist project. Authorities have requested that both suspects be formally charged and placed in pretrial detention while the investigation continues.

The inquiry has been entrusted to several specialized security agencies, including the national counterterrorism police and the country’s internal intelligence service. Investigators are now working to determine the extent of the alleged plan and whether additional individuals may have been involved.

The case highlights ongoing concerns in Europe regarding radicalization and the protection of sensitive infrastructure such as prisons, which are considered potential targets in extremist operations.