CRI听力:New European Arrest Warrant Issued against Top Suspect of Paris Attacks

26-year-old Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving suspect of Paris terror attacks last November, was arrested on Friday during a counter-terrorism raid in Monlenbeek neighborhood of Brussels.

Several others were also taken in for questioning after harboring the suspect at their residence.

French prosecutor Francois Molins expressed his confidence that Abdeslam's extradition will be implemented despite the suspect's reluctance.

"As you know, his lawyer spoke to the media, Salah Abdeslam did not agree to his transfer to the French authorities. This refusal will not paralyze the procedure, it will only lead to a longer procedure with numerous avenues of legal recourse. The ultimate decision of a transfer to the French authorities will then be possible and will have to happen anyway within the three months, as I mentioned earlier."

Samia Maktouf, the lawyer representing the survivors and relatives of victims of the attacks, said her clients hope that the extradition will be carried out quickly.

"My clients wish today that Abdeslam is extradited (to France from Belgium), handed over to the French judicial authorities as soon as possible - of course, after he has exhausted all the judicial remedies available to him according to European law."

She added that although relieved by the news of Abdeslam's capture, her clients also worried that the suspect would choose to remain silent and refuse to shed light on the tragic events.

However, Sven Mary, the lawyer for Abdeslam, said it's still not the right time for his client's extradition.

"I refuse, we refuse the extradition to France as there's still a Belgian investigation, which is ongoing. The release to the French authorities and in any case the refusal will be suspended as the judge needs Abdeslam here in Belgium."

He said Abdeslam will attend a closed judiciary committee meeting next Wednesday.

Investigators believe that Abdeslam had planned to be a suicide bomber at France's main stadium but backed out at the last minute.

He reportedly abandoned his suicide explosive vest at the night of the attack after dropping the attackers off the Stade de France, which leaves open a series of questions.

The fatal terror attacks took place in Paris on November 13, 2015, storming a local restaurant, a concert hall and a football stadium, leaving over 130 people dead.

For CRI, I'm Xie Cheng.