The mainstream media for the most part has moved on. But there are a few more gleanings to be had, of perhaps the most interesting comes from the Daily Mirror, which labels al-Hilli an extremist on the grounds that he was against the war in Iraq, disapproved of the behaviour of Israel and had doubts over 9/11 – which makes a great deal of the population “extremist”. But the Mirror has the only mainstream mention I can find of the possibility that Mossad carried out the killings. Given Mr al-Hilli’s profession, the fact he is a Shia, the fact he had visited Iran, and the fact that Israel heas been assassinating scientists connected to Iran’s nuclear programme, this has to be a possibility. There are of course other possibilities, but to ignore that one is ludicrous.
Which leads me to the argument of Daily Mail crime reporter, Stephen Wright, that the French police should concentrate on the idea that this was a killing by a random Alpine madman or racist bigot. Perfectly possible, of course, and the anti-Muslim killings in Marseille might be as much a precedent as Mossad killings of scientists. But why the lone madman idea should be the preferred investigation, Mr Wright does not explain. What I did find interesting from a man who has visited many crime scenes are his repeated insinuations that the French authorities are not really trying very hard to find who the killers were, for example:
the crime scene would have been sealed off for a minimum of seven to ten days, to allow detailed forensic searches for DNA, fibres, tyre marks and shoe prints to take place.
Nearby bushes and vegetation would have been searched for any discarded food and cigarette butts left by the killer, not to mention the murder weapon.
But from what I saw at the end of last week, no such searches had taken place and potentially vital evidence could have been missed. House to house inquiries in the local area had yet to be completed and police had not made specific public appeals for information about the crime. No reward had been put up for information about the shootings.
Behind the scenes, what other short cuts have been taken? Have police seized data identifying all mobile phones being used in the vicinity of the murders that day?
The idea that the French authorities – who are quite as capable as any other of solving cases – are not really trying very hard is an interesting one.
Which leads me to this part of a remarkable article from the Daily Telegraph, which if true points us back towards a hit squad and discounts the ides that there was only one gun:
Claims that only one gun was used to kill everybody is likely to be disproved by full ballistics test results which are out in October.
While the 25 spent bullet cartridges found at the scene are all of the same kind, they could in fact have come from a number of weapons of the same make.
This throws up the possibility of a well-equipped, highly-trained gang circling the car and then opening fire.
Both children were left alive by the killers, who had clinically pumped bullets into everybody else, including five into Mr Mollier.
Zainab was found staggering around outside the car by Brett Martin, a British former RAF serviceman who cycled by moments after the attack, but he saw nobody except the schoolgirl.
Her sister, Zeena, was found unscathed and hiding in the car eight hours later.
Both sisters are now back in Britain, and are believed to have been reunited at a secret location near London.
There are of course a number of hit squad options, both governmental and private, which might well involve iraqi or Iranian interests – on both of which the mainstream media have been very happy to speculate while almost unanimously ignoring Israel.
But what interests me is why the Daily Telegraph choose, in the face of all the evidence, to minimise the horrific nature of the attack by stating that “Both children were left alive by the killers”? Zainab was not left alive by design, she was shot in the chest and her skull was stove in, which presumably was a pretty serious attempt to kill a seven year-old child. The other girl might very well have succeeded in hiding from the killers under her mother’s skirts, as she hid from the first rescuers, and then for eight hours from the police.
The Telegraph article claims to be informed by sources close to the investigation. So they believe it was a group of people, and feel motivated to absolve those people from child-killing. Now what could the Daily Telegraph be thinking?
Urban exercises carried out by 2e REI and 1er RECin September 2012 in Sissonne, France.
http://legion99.rssing.com/chan-14934434/all_p2.html
How far is Sissonne?
Another great connection to the FFL, if I remember rightly, days after the Al Hilli murders there where killings in Corsica that where even compared and even loosely linked to the Chevaline Murders, it certainly got a mention in all the articles I just read about this particular killing.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9536224/Three-people-found-shot-dead-in-car-in-Corsica.html
This was at the beginning of a long list of killings on Corsica in 2012.
Where are 2e Rep also based, yep in Calve on Corsica.
○ Iran nuclear chief reveals sabotage at Fordow facility
TEHRAN, Iran (PressTV) – Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has revealed sabotage operations at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility in August just ahead of a scheduled visit by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors.
“On Friday August 17, 2012, power lines running from the city of Qom to Fordow facility were cut using explosives. It should be reminded that power outage is a way of damaging centrifuge machines. In the early hours of the following day, [IAEA] inspectors demanded a snap inspection of the facility,” Dr. Fereydoun Abbasi told the IAEA meeting in Vienna.
Abbasi went on to warn the UN nuclear watchdog against the infiltration by ‘terrorists and saboteurs.’ “We must make director-general of IAEA and his colleagues aware of this issue and give the necessary warning [to them].”
Odds and ends:
Sir Martin Sweeting, DMC and Malaysia:
http://investsrilanka.blogspot.ca/2009/12/malaysia-eyeing-sls-first-satellite.html
DMC won an award in September 2012, and the SSTL gang reminisced during a fine meal about their adventures in French Guiana. Ah, the good old days.
http://www.sst-us.com/blog/september-2012/awards-season-for-surrey
Anyways, Oui, thanks for 8:58 pm.
Today’s Legionnaires have many skills, perhaps even welding, and work alongside peacekeepers abroad and police officers in France.
http://extendedremarks.blogspot.ca/2007/05/french-foreign-legion-legendary-force.html
The kepis are white, or blanc.
http://www.corsicainfurmazione.org/28339/trafic-de-drogue-au-2e-rep-de-calvi-6-militaires-en-cause/2012/
Translate that Nov 2012
http://www.tehrantimes.com/middle-east/92560-israel-invites-french-foreign-legion-to-gaza
The word “foreign” in the name French Foreign Legion does not refer to faraway battlegrounds. It refers to the Legion itself, which is a branch of the French Army commanded by French officers but built of volunteers from around the world. Last summer I came upon 20 of them on a grassy knoll on a farm in France near the Pyrenees.
Where is the farm?
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2012/12/french-foreign-legion-expendables
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chasseurs_Alpins
Based in and around Annecy – 2e Rep
Ricki Tarr
7 Sep, 2014 – 2:30 pm I have never had any doubt that answers to these and other questions have from very early days been in the possession of various intelligence agencies and claims to there being no clues by Eric Clouseau a palpable untruth. This means that government was prepared to create a massive charade to give the impression of a genuine investigation and to use up time until the thing had calmed down. This gives an indication as to sensitivity of the planned meeting and/or the purpose and nature of the killing. Only at the highest level could such decisions have been made whilst endeavouring to protect senior ministers who might otherwise be forced to lie – a common but highly risky matter of a government minister. This could be why, despite initial assurances by Cameron and Hollande, they have not as far as i am aware, ever touched on the subject again. As you say at least four or five European nations (Sw.UK. F.SW. D) are directly involved and several more including the US and Iraq on the periphery. If we include all the “players” we can extend this further. In fact Israel is notable by its absence but it is not difficult to see how they could be in relation to past and current events, most recently with the drone on test at the time. Did you notice how the Germans popped up originally? Did anyone ask how on earth they came by private bank details in Switzerland renowned for secrecy? In a parallel universe Putin has become the new bogeyman partly because of Crimea (how history repeats itself?) partly because of the new BRIC agreement that threatens the dollar as reserve currency (remember Saddam’s big mistake supplanting the dollar with the Euro?) and partly because he is prepared to pull the rug on the whole dirty 9/11 business which he has already started doing. Add in all the classified information he has got his hands on via Snowden and you can see he’s in quite a strong position. Now, going back to the original point, what if he decides to blow the whistle, or perhaps more subtly through a third party, leak some juicy titbits about what went on at Chevaline? We shall see. One thing is clear, the decision rests neither with Maillaud or the Chief Constable of Sussex.
There are said to be four farms. One is here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelnaudary
Strange talk here about expensive bikes and motorcycles:
http://cervens.net/legionbbs123/archive/index.php/t-14831.html
The 2e REP is a mountain unit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akihiko_Saito
Ex-Legionnaire killed while working as a security contractor in Iraq, following a hostage-taking.
Welding jobs:
http://military.answers.com/positions/various-welding-jobs-in-the-u-s-military
Michael Norton
7 Sep, 2014 – 3:18 pm quite. And don’t forget Areva is virtually French Govt owned; has access to increasingly valuable African uranium sources, almost as important as oil if nuclear comes back in favour, and for concentrating for military use; big UAE nuc power contracts; far from unblemished history supplying Iran. Then throw in Israel’s desperation to be a major player in micro processors and drone technology (it is) and all the high stakes in the Middle East, and Chevaline is bang in the middle. No wonder its a HOT potato.
They fake Canadian citizenship:
http://foreignlegion.info/units/4th-foreign-regiment/
@Ricki Tarr
7 Sep, 2014 – 10:48 pm
I had posted about the Chasseurs Alpins before and the connections to the Schutz family – here and here.
Parcours militaire
1968 – 1969
7ème Bataillon De Chasseurs Alpins BOURG SAINT MAURICE
2eme compagnie service TAM instructeur de tir
1956 – Classe de mme blanc mappat Leonie – Ecole D’arêches both Roland Chevallier and Dominique Schutz (Nov. 20, 1948) Saint Pierre d’Albigny [uncle of Claire and brother of Thierry Schutz]
Oui
7 Sep, 2014 – 9:12 pm first factor in Hilary Clinton being in doubt what Benghazi was about or the Mossad/CIA involvement in 9/11 or the importance of the jewish vote in her plans. That pipsqeek quote should be read as a (not too) hidden threat not to Iran but to America. It certainly looks like a two-fold threat: you know what we did before (that you can’t admit to or it will bring the house of cards down) and we can do it again AND you know we know what happened and it would be easy to spill the beans. THAT’S what the reminder of the 13th (unlucky for some) anniversary of 9/11 is all about you can be sure otherwise known as the “tail wagging the dog”.
When a state wants to obfuscate a story, throw in some CT accusations. A theory advocated by Samantha Power’s husband Cass Sunstein. He worked for the Obama administration.
Jewish Chronicle Online: Rejection of ‘It Was a Mossad Hit’
Of course the Israeli press has more pressing matters with Benjamin Netanyahu’s war rhetoric to worry about a murder of 4 near Annecy, France. I did not miss the fact that the first days the Annecy or France Alps Killings was a headline worldwide, but not in Israel. The best way to counteract the few articles that speculate on a Mossad hit, is to make fun of such a ridiculous fantasy and deposit it in a conspiracy corner or standard anti-Israel rhetoric. Here is an article by The Jewish Chronicle Online.
Conspiracy theories, Mossad and the tragic Al-Hilli murder
By Jennifer Lipman | JC Online | Sept. 12, 2012 |
Everyone loves a good conspiracy theory, right? Aliens in Roswell, the moon landing that never was, Elvis alive and living in the countryside; we all like to stretch our imagination beyond the realms of what is possible or plausible.
Invariably, one notion that tends to figure high on the list for the conspiracy theorists is the “it’s the Jews wot dunnit” scenario.
…
If in doubt, it’s got to be Mossad? So far as I can tell, the speculation about this is largely blogger-based, in that Mossad’s name features heavily in the comments sections of reports on the killings.
[Read on …]
Oui
7 Sep, 2014 – 8:58 pm it’s perhaps worth reminding ourselves that virtually all the israeli prime ministers have been terrorists – literally! Yet despite every thing it is the downtrodden, dispossessed, marginalised and murdered Palestinians that are painted as the “terrorists” by western media. As partners in crime in maintaining this obscene distortion, we in Britain should be thoroughly ashamed of ourselves. We are part of the support network that allows Israel to do as it pleases. Do as it pleases? Would that include Chevaline?
that Tim Veater
7 Sep, 2014 – 11:37 pm post should have read NO DOUBT of course. sorry for that. its getting late
I know a lot about the Mossad and their assisantions of the past, the way in which this happened may seem like another Kidon hit, however on the other hand it seems like a rush job or may point to this not being a Mossad hit at all.Yes if Saad (or wife) was an arms dealer or involved in espionage against Israel and it’s friends I have no doubt they would Terminate with extreme prejudice or as I read in a Miles Copelands book the other day make him “die from the measles”.
They usually leave some sort of message or calling card, this may have been suppressed by the reporting but I doubt it, they want enemies to know they can get them anywhere at anytime. The use of the motorcycle is a usual Mossad trick and a back up acting as a support unit is also basic operating procedure. The unusual thing was that it was right hand drive and that points to them being followed from the UK (not discounting that Mossad would have followed them from the UK).
Reason Mossad would be involved:
Saad’s trip to Qom/Iran
Saads wife being involved with espionage for Iran.
Saad using images from SSTL satelitte either exposing or selling information.
Saad involved in Money laundering for Saddam.
Saad finding out about Saddams money (when his father died) in Geneva and trying to withdraw.
Saad having the wrong friends in Iraq.
Saad refusing to spy or provide information.
Saad being involved in smuggling to Iran.
Saad being involved in the Hostage taking in Niger.
I dont see why Mossad would be selected for the job if other agencies knew about this, the elite unit of the Legionnaires
would be first on the list expecially as they are used to the area/terrain and could get in an out on foot like a normal training excercise. They also do as they are instructed without question.
It would really be down to who Saad had upset first and who had the most reason to do the job.
@Ricki Tarr
8 Sep, 2014 – 9:23 am
it seems like a rush job …
The ‘job’ took 30 seconds and left no traces the police investigation could work on, using a widespread Swiss army handgun that could not be traced, the assassin came to parking Martinet and left without any witness. There seems to be some traces of a back-up vehicle in the vicinity. The 3km coming down from the spot of the delict on foot is a likely scenario. There are trails that avoid the roads covered in our discussions.
leave some sort of message or calling card …
I kindly disagree as quite often during interviews the Mossad heads let it be known their perfect ‘jobs’ have been kept secret.
Personally I think it was espionage about the zirconium processing or welding, a highly specialist knowledge Iran was attempting to get their hands on and Israel tried to destroy in attacks on Fordow and Natanz.
It’s true Mossad likes to boast about their deeds, even offer info during excursions for “Stand with Israel’ tourists.
○ The Ultimate Mission to Israel
I still think the primary target was Sylvain Molliex.
Only victim shot seven times and shot first and last plus he is a local.
Plus the uncle of his bird was a top Sarkozy politician
The other events also in my mind suggest the involvement of locals.
Brindle, car crash.
and so on times six
@Ricky Tarr
It would really be down to who Saad had upset first and who had the most reason to do the job.
Very true that’s why my premise was two track:
A. Local, wall of silence, family affair Molliex and Schutz, Chasseurs Alpins, mercenary.
B. International intelligence operation linked to nuclear development in Iran and Israel’s eradication campaign in 2012.
Because the operation had to be meticulous, only a single agency would be involved. The Mossad had all assets in place (Hermes 900 UAV flights) to communicate and have exact positioning of all parties involved at operational level LIVE. This solves many parts of the puzzle that just would not come together. It was a covert action performed by Israelis (Yossi Ben-Hanan flight from Chambéry to Geneva) because of Saad al-Hilli going radical, Iqbal al-Saffar with Dubai relations and Sylvain Mollier knowledge of zirconium process or welding. British agents from Paris were send to the crime scene, however MI-6, DGSE and Mossad have a strong alliance, so the investigation was directed to the UK right off the bat. The Chambéry/Annecy prosecutors won’t be able to uncover intelligence operations.
○ Nuclear “non-proliferation” cooperation between France, England and Israel.
Tim Veater
7 Sep, 2014 – 11:37 pm
Ms Clinton – Bill Clinton Foundation – Arab money – Mossad links via pardon Marc Rich and NY funds for senator Clinton. Just by chance, Marc Rich called Lucerne Switzerland his home.
Mehdi Nemmouche, the French-Algerian shooter who killed four people at the Jewish Museum in Brussels in May, was planning a mass killing during France’s July 14 “Bastille Day” celebrations.
http://www.france24.com/en/20140908-brussels-shooter-mehdi-nemmouche-planned-bastille-day-atrocity-paris/
Great discussion!
The only bit I didnt get was why leave the (20+) cartridges? they know its the only way to track the type of weapon! maybe that was the calling card, a type of F*** You, you cant catch us and we know it. Also a great way to throw off the investigation!
The Mossad have been in France for years as they are shit scared of non-proliferation of Nukes that may fall into the enemies hands! (oh sorry Iran are our friends now).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yehia_El-Mashad
Anyone seen the movie “The Patriots”?
I really like the Drone angle, either being used to track or may have been the thing to draw the authorities eyes towards Mollier and/or Al-Hilli.
Saad was scared about something, probably a position he had been put in that he wasnt comfortable with.
Oui
8 Sep, 2014 – 11:44 am there is always seedy stuff related to American Presidential election finances, Clinton as much as anyone. Big money is usually corrupt money. All those with big money are compromised and unable to do anything other than support the status quo. If government Whips use sexual blackmail to make MPs toe the line (as has been admitted) you can be damn sure MI5/6 do over this and other matters such as financial irregularity. This is what gives these secret and semi secret organisations such power and political leaders so little. In effect it turns politicians of note into puppets and sound boxes for policies and actions formulated elsewhere.
The next thing is the importance of the policy to distinguish between “good” arab (all that oil) and the “bad” terrorist, both of which unfortunately tend to be 1. arab and 2. muslim – i.e. the same. Thus it was necessary to “create” the evil omni present Al Qaeda that has now been superseded by an even more evil ISIS – all a creation of the west. The reality that the bin ladens and bushes were joined at the hip, or that iraq funds ISIS, or that despite bombing the hell out of Gaza arabs, the oil arabs are actually signed up to the American/Israeli strategy, because they fear Shia Iran more.
Needless to say both the Ukraine and Syria/Iraq actions are based on lies from start to finish and throw in MH370 whilst were at it at the 6 month anniversary. Taking a leaf out of Chevaline they only need another 18 for the whole thing to be forgotten. They have arranged by new survey that “travels at walking pace” to cover an area of ocean bed many times the size of Britain. “That’s sorted then”.
http://inquiringminds.cc/foley-and-crisis-actors-and-a-hollywood-set-up-tim-veater