Three suspects in Danish newspaper terror plot to remain in custody

Jan 27, 2011, 11:14 GMT

Copenhagen - Three men suspected of plotting an attack on a Danish newspaper that published controversial caricatures of the Muslim prophet Mohammed in 2005 are to remain in custody, a court in Denmark ruled Thursday.

The suspects, aged 29, 30 and 44, are to be kept in isolation for a further four weeks, judges in Glostrup, near the Danish capital Copenhagen, ruled.

The three, who live in neighbouring Sweden, were arrested on December 29. At their initial court hearing they denied allegations they were planning to attack the offices of the Jyllands-Posten newspaper, but refused to make any further comment.

The prosecutor told reporters that the trio remained silent during questioning.

Thursday's hearing was held behind closed doors, and the court building was guarded by police.

The prosecutor said they were suspected of terrorist crimes and firearms offences, noting that a submachine gun, a handgun and ammunition had been seized by police.

Since the publication of the caricatures, the Jyllands-Posten newspaper has been the target of several alleged plots.

A year ago, an axe-wielding man forced his way into Jyllands- Posten cartoonist Kurt Westergaard's home and was subsequently arrested. A trial is underway against the Somali-born man. Westergaard is known for his caricature of the prophet with a bomb in his turban.

A 37-year-old man remains in custody in Sweden on suspicion of being part of the alleged plot, but he has rejected the charges.

Danish and Swedish police said they had cooperated closely in averting the possible attack and had been tracking the suspects for some time.

Read more about Denmark Justice

Read more about Terrorism