Madrid train bombing suspect released from two-year detention

A suspect of the 2004 Madrid train bombings was released Wednesday after two years in prison without trial, as authorities had failed to apply for extended imprisonment.

The period of two years is the maximum term allowed to hold a suspect without trial. The authorities could have been able to seek for another two years.

The suspect, Saed El Harrak, was one of the 29 charged in April for their roles in the March 11, 2004 Madrid train bombings, in which 191 people were killed.

Reports said the actual trial may not start until early next year, given the complexity of the case and the number of people involved.

Despite the release, El Harrak has to report to police twice a day and is barred from leaving Madrid.

He was tracked down by authorities through his phone records which were found after Spanish police raided a house near Madrid on April 3. Seven train bombing suspects in the house blew themselves up during the police assault, and an officer was also killed.

El Harrak admitted that he was acquainted with one of the seven suspects, but claimed he was innocent of the train explosions.

Source: Xinhua