LIMA, Peru (AP) — A Peruvian judge has ordered 18 months of preventative detention for an Iranian and two Peruvian men while they are investigated for allegedly attempting to kill two Israelis living in the South American country.
The ruling by Magistrate Miguel Quevedo was handed down Tuesday but released Wednesday. The defendants are also accused of conspiracy to commit terrorism.
The judge said the motive for the unsuccessful alleged killing plot was unclear, but police and prosecutors in Peru have said the Iranian, Majid Azizi, could be a member of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, which is responsible for intelligence work outside Iran.
The Associated Press could not independently confirm whether Azizi is a member of the Quds Force. Iranian authorities have not commented.
On March 15, after Azizi’s arrest, the Israeli embassy in Lima thanked the Peruvian police and prosecutor’s office in a press release “for having dismantled an Iranian attack that was directed against an Israeli citizen.”
Prince Louis wore Prince George's £25 hand
Young Ugandans tangle in the mud. They dream of becoming professional wrestlers
Why Middle East becomes popular holiday choices for Chinese tourists?
China’s two sessions gather strength for high
Olympic tennis champion Belinda Bencic announces the birth of her daughter
It's the first drug shown to slow Alzheimer's. Why is is it off to a slow start?
Chinese brands top Israel's electric car sales in Jan.
Why Middle East becomes popular holiday choices for Chinese tourists?
China's innovative drugs gain momentum in global expansion efforts