U.S. Objects to Freeing of Terrorist

WASHINGTON — The State Department on Friday expressed “concern and regret” over a Swiss court’s decision to turn loose a Lebanese man arrested at the Zurich airport on charges of transporting explosives.

“Unless all concerned states stand strong and together against international terrorism, we cannot hope to counter this grave international threat,” a department statement said.

“The United States government wishes to express its concern and regret over two decisions taken in Switzerland . . . with regard to Mr. Hussain Al-Atat, a Lebanese national who had been arrested by Swiss authorities for transporting explosives though Switzerland,” it said.

The department said the Swiss Cantonal Court in Bulach on Wednesday sentenced Atat to 18 months for transporting explosives but immediately suspended the sentence and ordered his departure. In another action, an Italian request that he be extradited was denied by the Swiss minister of justice and peace, the department said.

A State Department official said Atat returned to Lebanon following his release. He said the extradition request was denied on “technical grounds.”

The official said Atat was arrested Nov. 18 at the Zurich airport for transport of explosives.

He cited Swiss press reports saying that during questioning, Atat named terrorists in other countries. Other Swiss press reports indicated Wednesday’s release of Atat was related to the release of a kidnapped Swiss diplomat in Beirut, Lebanon, several weeks ago.