Three in Court over Alleged Islamist Terror Attack on British Jewish Community

On Tuesday, three men appeared in a British court, facing charges of planning a terror attack targeting members of the Jewish community and others in northwest England using automatic weapons.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard the plot involved attempts to obtain machine guns, a hand gun and ammunition, and identifying a safe house where these could be stored.

Walid Saadaoui, 36, and Amar Hussein, 50, have been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, according to Greater Manchester police.

Mr Saadaoui’s 35-year-old brother Bilel was tearful as he pleaded not guilty to failing to disclose information about the alleged plans. He has been charged in this respect.

The men appeared in the dock in separate hearings, wearing grey tracksuits and flanked by police and security officers.

Mr Hussein was assisted by an Arabic interpreter, but had no lawyer to represent him.

Asked by the judge whether he wanted to apply for bail, he reportedly said: “Do whatever you want.”

The other two men spoke only to confirm their identities.

Prosecutors allege that Saadaoui and Hussein’s planned attack was inspired by the Islamic State militant group, aiming to target the Jewish community, law enforcement, and military personnel in northwest England.

The Community Security Trust (CST), a Jewish security advisory organisation, commented on the seriousness of the allegations.

They noted that this case is part of a troubling increase in antisemitic crimes.

The CST emphasized the necessity of extensive security measures for the Jewish community and the importance of their ongoing collaboration with the police and government. “This case highlights why our community needs robust security and why our partnership with law enforcement and governmental bodies is crucial,” the CST stated.

Greater Manchester police acknowledged the potential impact of the plot’s details on the Jewish community but indicated they do not believe there is a broader threat to the public.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts expressed concern about the distressing nature of the alleged plot. “Today’s court appearance has revealed some disturbing and troubling details about a suspected terrorist plot, which we allege involved individuals from Greater Manchester,” he said.

Potts highlighted the significant effect this information might have, particularly on the Jewish community in Greater Manchester and across the country.

Main Image: By GrimsbyT – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19464503

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