Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
Body:
Approved for Release: 2016/08/23 C06564002
Directorate of
Intelligence
Terrorism Review
December 1986
(b)(3)
DI DI TR 86-011
December 1986
Copy 5 7 6
(b)(3)
11 1
Approved for Release: 2016/08/23 C06564002
lI
Approved for Release: 2016/08/23 C06564002
Ireland
Malta
Spain
Seert,L
Egyptair Hijacking Trial Approaches
The Maltese Government still awaits letters of evidence from three key witnesses
in the trial of a terrorist who hijacked an Egyptair jet in 1985, meaning that the
trial probably cannot take place before these documents arrive, according to the
trial's prosecuting attorney. The defendant, Omar Mohamed Afi Rezak, is the
only surviving member of the bloody Egyptair hijacking on 23 November 1985,
that resulted in the deaths of nearly 100 passengers.
Rezak reportedly faces Malta's maximum sentence, which is only 25 years, even if
several of the charges against him are dropped. The prosecuting attorney has
stated that the Maltese Government will not consider any extradition requests
until after the trial's completion.
Basque Group Resumed Terror Campaign
The Basque separatist group Fatherland and Liberty Military Wing (ETA-M)
kidnaped a Spanish industrialist on 10 December in northern Spain. This was the
first major attack in nearly six weeks. The group has had a number of setbacks in
recent months including:
� On 10 September the assassination of a former ETA leader for participating in
Spain's amnesty program backfired by causing public outrage.
� On 5 November French police raided a major ETA arsenal in southern France
(see earlier Highlight).
� France has arrested and expelled at least 23 ETA members and leaders this year
while scores more have abandoned the group for Spain's amnesty program,
which pardons former terrorists who have not committed any violent crimes and
who renounce violence.
As a result of setbacks and internal problems, ETA may find it more difficult to
keep up the tempo of its attacks in the near future. Some members may also forgo
attacks until the role of ETA's political arm in the newly elected Basque regional
parliament becomes clearer. The party won 17 percent of the seats and reportedly
could become a viable part of the new coalition government.
9 --Srevet,
Approved for Release: 2016/08/23 C06564002