POLICE OFFICER SUSPECTED OF PREPARING TERRORIST ATTACK

PARIS, SEPTEMBER 18 /SRNA/ – A police officer was arrested in Paris on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack, the prosecutor’s office announced.

French media reported that the 35-year-old police officer had links to far-right circles and was suspected of planning violent attacks against state interests and law-enforcement forces. Investigators suspect that he used a 3D printer to manufacture weapons. Weapon parts were found during searches of his vehicle and apartment. The arrest followed a scandal involving the municipal police in Carcassonne, southern France, which only became known to the public last week. A body camera that was accidentally activated recorded conversations between several police officers, including racist, sexist and homophobic comments, as well as remarks containing conspiracy theories. The prosecutor’s office launched an investigation, and the police officer was remanded in custody. The case has caused particular concern because one of the officers was a member of the far-right National Rally party and worked in its security service. He has since been expelled from the party, DPA recalls. Investigators said that the police officer had already been arrested at the end of August.