Belgium freezes assets of 12 terrorists

The Belgian government, for the first time, has frozen the assets of 12 terrorist suspects without judicial intervention, local media reported on Friday.

The 12 targeted suspects have been cut off from accessing their finances, property, as well as other possessions. In addition, they cannot receive financial support from a third party, according to Belgian newspaper L'Echo.

Among those targeted include Mohamed Abrini, who is alleged to have been involved in the planning and execution of the November 2015 Paris attacks and the 2016 Brussels bombings. He was arrested in Brussels in April.

The administrative measure, taken at the request of the Organization to Coordinate Threat Analysis (OCAM), aims to prevent possible financial support for terrorism.

The freezing of assets is reviewed every six months and may be subject to appeal. Endit