Brussels, July 28 (dpa/GNA) – A NATO intern suspected of spying within the defence alliance, is to be kept in pre-trial detention for the moment after a court ruling, the Belgian public prosecutor’s office announced on Tuesday.
The woman, a Canadian citizen of Chinese origin, is suspected of spying on behalf of a non-NATO country and of being involved in a criminal organization. According to the information provided, she was undertaking an internship at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), the strategic military headquarters of NATO’s Allied Command Operations, in the Belgian city of Mons.
She was detained last week, and her workplace and her flat were searched. The suspect had previously come to the attention of SHAPE’s security services. The public prosecutor’s office said the accused may appeal against the decision.
She will otherwise be required to appear before the court once a month for the first three months, after which there will be a review every two months.
The accused may lodge a further appeal against any decision by the competent chamber, subject to the conditions laid down by law.
GNA