Two men have appeared in court charged with terrorism offences over an alleged plan for a gun attack targeting the Jewish community in the north-west of England. Walid Saadaoui, 36, and Amar Hussein, 50, have been charged with the preparation of terrorist acts between December 13, 2023, and May 9, 2024. Meanwhile, Mr. Saadaoui’s 35-year-old brother Bilel, of Fairclough Street in Hindley, was tearful as he pleaded not guilty to failing to disclose information about the alleged plans. All the men appeared in the dock in separate hearings, wearing grey tracksuits and flanked by police and security officers.
According to prosecutor, Rebecca Waller, the alleged plan was inspired by the Islamic State group. The men did not enter a plea when they appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court. Amar Hussein was assisted by an Arabic interpreter, but had no lawyer to represent him. When he was asked by the judge whether he wanted to apply for bail, he said, “Do whatever you want.”
Finally, District Judge Louisa Ciecóra remanded all the men in custody and sent the case to be heard at the Old Bailey on 24 May. These charges have come as the police have stepped up their investigation and surveillance of possible terrorist targets, from different ethnic groups to public infrastructure locations. The UK remains vigilant to the ongoing terror threat, and this recent arrest signifies a strong message to all terrorists that they cannot incite hate and cause harm to innocent people
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