What do authorities think this catch-and-release procedure accomplishes? It keeps jihadis such as Abu Ishaq Al Masry off the streets for awhile, but it doesn’t do a thing to reform them. Do authorities think that if a jihadi sits in prison for awhile, or is deported, that he will suddenly realize that Islam is peace and become a loyal, productive citizen?
If authorities in Egypt and elsewhere want to deal with this problem realistically, they will devote their efforts to disabusing people such as Al Masry of their jihadist sentiments while they are in custody. This will involve a direct confrontation of their Islamic beliefs. No authorities have the stomach for that.
“Alexandria Church Bomber Previously Arrested for ISIS Ties: Reports,” by Engy Adham, Egyptian Streets, April 11, 2017:
Kuwaiti security sources have commented on the release of Abu Ishaq Al Masry, the suicide bomber and main suspect in St Mark’s Cathedral attack in Alexandria, months before the attack for being set free by Egyptian authorities despite his links with ISIS.
According to Kuwaiti Al-Qabas newspaper, security sources have announced that the main suspect in the bombing of St Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria is Abu Ishaq Al Masry.
He came to Kuwait in October 2016 with a work permit as an accountant. He summoned to the Kuwaiti security apparatus based on information he has received from his Egyptian counterpart.
He went through intensive investigations for his links to ISIS. After the verification of his involvement, he was deported from the country and handed over to the Egyptian authorities. Some of his family members have been deported from Kuwait as well, according to Al-Qabas newspaper.
He was held in Egypt’s custody for investigation over his links with ISIS, but then he was released….