Three women charged in France over suspected jihadist plot

French anti-terror prosecutors have charged and jailed three young women suspected of plotting a jihadist attack – the first alleged plot involving female suspects in several years.

The trio, all around 20 years old, were formally placed under investigation and remanded in custody in October, according to France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT).

The judicial inquiry, opened on 10 October, concerns “criminal terrorist association with intent to commit acts of violence against persons,” the office confirmed on Saturday, verifying a report first published by Le Parisien.

A source close to the case told AFP that “a plot was foiled this autumn” – describing it as the first attempted violent action involving women in some time.

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'Influencer' alleged ringleader

According to Le Parisien, one of the suspects – referred to as B – had attracted around 20,000 followers on TikTok, where she allegedly posted pro-jihadist content.

Investigators believe she may have played a leading role in the small group.

The women are suspected of discussing violent actions online, reportedly mentioning firearms and a suicide belt, and floating possible targets such as a concert hall or a bar in Paris.

Police arrested two of the women in the Rhône region and another in the Cher department, following a series of in-person meetings in Lyon that raised suspicions.

Lawyers for the three women have declined to comment when contacted, although one reportedly downplayed the seriousness of the alleged threat.

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A sombre anniversary

The arrests come as France prepares to mark the tenth anniversary of the November 2015 Paris and Saint-Denis attacks – a coordinated night of terror that left 130 people dead and hundreds injured.

A national day of remembrance for the victims will be held on Thursday.

In an interview with AFP, national anti-terror prosecutor Olivier Christen warned that the jihadist threat remains “the most significant, both in scale and in the level of operational readiness,” and that it has been “growing” over the past three years.

Despite the echoes of 2015, French officials have stressed that early intervention and digital monitoring continue to play a crucial role in preventing attacks before plans are put into motion – as appears to have happened in this case.

(with newswires)