last updated: Dec. 12, 2021

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  • Full name: Mohammed Zaouad
  • Pseudonym: N/a
  • Alternatives: N/a
  • Location: Belgium
  • Affiliation: GMIC Maaseik Remnant Network [GMRN]

Mohammed Zaouad (°ca 1974) is an influential member of the GMIC Maaseik Remnants Network [GMRN] from Houthalen-Helchteren. He is not believed to have been part of the original Maaseik-based cell of the Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group [GICM; Groupe Islamique Combatant Marocain], but later became a close associate of GMRN central figure Khalid Bouloudo. Zaouad was also in close contact with Abdelkader Hakimi following his release from prison.1

In 2013, Zaouad and Bouloudo began to recruit jihadis to fight in Syria from a mosque in Maaseik.2 Both men and a few of their acquaintances were arrested by Belgian police in January 2015.3 Zaouad was conditionally released a few months later.4 Together with Bouloudo and their associates, he was brought to trial in June 2016. The case was marred by postponements and procedural problems.5 In April 2018, Zaouad was eventually sentenced to ten years in prison.6 An appeals court repealed his conviction and acquitted him on May 29, 2019.7

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