TWO men have been arrested in connection with terrorism offences after a number of properties close to the Irish capital were searched.
The searches and arrests were made yesterday, May 8, An Garda Síochána have said.
An Algerian national in his 30s and a Moroccan national in his 40s were arrested in the Dublin area for offences under the Terrorist Offences Act 2015.
Officers from the Garda Counter Terrorism International Unit, a branch of the Special Detective Unit of An Garda Síochána, carried out the arrests.
A garda spokeswoman also said a number of searches were carried out in Swords in north Dublin, Stepaside in south Dublin, South Circular Road in central Dublin and Trim in Co. Meath.
The two men were brought to Blackrock Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
One man, the Algerian national, remains at the station while the Moroccan man has been released without charge.
An Garda Síochána have said a file will be prepared for the DPP.
The arrests follow the remand of Hassan Bal in Waterford last month, who is charged with providing funding for a foreign terrorist group on October 2, 2015, and attempting to collect funding for a foreign terrorist group on October 23, 2015.
The investigation which led to his arrest and charge involved the FBI and London’s Metropolitan Police.
Originally from Britain, Hassan Bal moved to Ireland 14 years ago with his family and had lived in Waterford for several years.
An Irish citizen, he worked as a trainee electrician and had lived in rented accommodation in the city centre with his wife before his arrest.
At Waterford District Court, the accused’s mother Dr Caroline Ward-Fahy said it was “very shocking” to be in this situation.
When asked her how she proposed to ensure, if her son was granted bail, that he would comply with his bail conditions, she added: “Since my son was born, when I tell him to do something, he will do it.”
Hassan Bal is due to appear again before Waterford District Court later today, May 9.
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