Accused ISIS member in the dock

An alleged Isis member appeared in court today accused of possessing documents containing details of Kurdish militia personnel.

Awat Hamasalih, 34, is accused of belonging to the banned terror group on or before 16 November this year.

The Iraqi Kurd, who moved to the UK in 2002, is also charged with two counts of possessing articles for terrorist purposes on 21 December 2014 and 12 November last year.

The 20 documents are said to have contained details of Peshmerga military personnel – the forces of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan.

Hamasalih was arrested on Wednesday 15 November by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU) and charged with terror offences last night.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court today (Thurs) charged with two counts of being in possession of articles for terrorist purposes, contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and one count of being a member of a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Bearded Hamasalih stood in the bullet-proof glass dock wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit.

He spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address with the help of a Kurdish interpreter and indicated not guilty pleas to the charges.

Prosecutor Kiernan Cunningham said the charges were too serious to be tried at magistrates court.

There was no application for bail and Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot remanded him in custody.

‘Your case is being sent to the Central Criminal Court,’ she said.

‘The first hearing there will be on 9 December. This is a preliminary hearing – a short hearing where you may be asked to indicate your pleas, although you have already indicated your not guilty pleas to this court.

‘I am remanding you in custody to that date.’

Hamasalih, of (94) Finchley Road, Kingstanding, West Midlands, will next appear at the Old Bailey on 9 December for a preliminary hearing.
ENDS