Classmates of third suspect defend him on social media

Much of the media attention regarding the Charlie Hebdo attack has been on a pair of brothers currently sought by French authorities. But a third suspect, Mourad Hamyd, has garnered support from students in northeast France who proclaim his innocence.

Hamyd Mourad an 18-year-old unemployed French Muslim man of North-African descent was identified by the police as a third suspect in the shooting, accused of driving the getaway car. At 2.22 am on Thursday 8 Jan it was reported he had turned himself in to French police. 

French media later reported that Hamyd was being held, but not charged.

Mourad has said he was in college at the time of the shooting. Several of Hamyd's classmates are defending him on social media with the hastag #MouradHamydInnocent.

Translation: Mourad Hamyd wrongly accused, he was in class at the time of the facts, his classmates can attest !!

Translation: He was in my high school, I saw that smile this morning as usual. He would never do this. Please support