21 March,2016 09:29 AM IST | | Agencies
While France expects extradition of Paris attacks suspect in three months, Abdeslam’s lawyer said he would fight it
Salah Abdeslam
Paris: French Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas said yesterday that Belgium will hand over top Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam to France in no more than three months.
Salah Abdeslam. File Pic/AFP
"The definitive decision... should be taken within 60 days of his arrest or 90 days if he lodges an appeal," Urvoas said in a statement.
Abdeslam's lawyer Sven Mary said in Brussels that he would fight his extradition to France, arguing that "there is still a Belgian investigation that should be carried out."
The French justice ministry said 90 days was the maximum time it would take for his transfer. A probe judge has formally charged Abdeslam with "participation in terrorist murder and participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation," a Belgian prosecutor said.
