TOULOUSE, France — The older brother of the Toulouse gunman who killed seven people in France said he was “proud” of Mohammed Merah’s actions, police said Saturday.
Abdelkader Merah admitted being present when the scooter used in the killings was stolen, even though he claimed he knew nothing of his brother’s criminal intentions.
He and his girlfriend were taken into custody after his brother was killed trying to shoot his way out of an apartment following a 32-hour police siege.
The 23-year-old had murdered three Jewish children, a trainee rabbi and three soldiers in three separate gun attacks between Mar. 11 and Mar. 19 in the southwestern French city, shocking the country in the buildup to a presidential election.
Abdelkader Merah and his girlfriend were being transferred from Toulouse to Paris on Saturday for questioning by anti-terrorist police, a source close to the investigation said.
Police and prosecutors said the 29-year-old is a radical Islamist and that traces of what could be an explosive material were found in his car.
He and his girlfriend will be questioned at the anti-terrorist police headquarters in the Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret. Under French law, they could be held until Sunday, after which they would have to be taken before a judge in the French capital.
Mohammed Merah was alone when he carried out the killings, but there has been speculation that he had accomplices or logistical help. Investigators said he apparently lived beyond his limited means.
His mother, Zoulhika Aziri, also was taken into custody but was released late Friday.
Her lawyer, Jean-Yves Gougnaud, said Saturday that she was “wracked with guilt and remorse” and feared reprisals against her for what her son did.
“Could she have prevented these things, this is what she is asking herself. She’s angry. She is wondering why her son did this and blames herself somewhat,” he said. “She is afraid of retaliation — that is why she is not going home for the moment.”