Written by DAVID McHUGH, Associated Press Writer | 06 September 2007

BERLIN - Police searched Thursday for seven people thought to have aided three Islamic radicals arrested for allegedly plotting massive bombings — a case that has ignited debate over whether investigators should have broader powers to probe the computers of terrorism suspects.

The additional suspects were being sought both in Germany and elsewhere, and the names of five were known to police, said Andreas Christeleit, a spokesman for federal prosecutors. He did not provide any details.

After months of surveillance, two German converts to Islam and a Turk were arrested Tuesday at a cottage that officials said was being used as a bomb-making hideout. Prosecutors said the plot was aimed at restaurants, pubs, discotheques, airports and other places frequented by Americans.

August Hanning, a deputy interior minister, said investigators believed the would-be bombers' network no longer posed a direct security threat.

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