Sunday, April 13, 2008

Liquid Bomb Plot Accused's 'Martyr' Video


A man accused of plotting to blow up trans-Atlantic planes filmed a martydom video in which he praises Osama bin Laden, a court had heard.

The 19-minute film of Umar Islam has been played to a jury at Woolwich Crown Court.

Wearing a black and white checked headscarf, the 29-year-old also praises Taliban leader Mullah Omar.

Speaking in front of a black flag covered in Arabic writing, he said Allah "loves us to die and kill in his path".

He added: "To Mullah Omar and Sheikh Osama and the brothers, keep on going, keep on remaining firm, but truly you have inspired many of the Muslims and you have inspired me personally to follow the true path of the prophet."

Islam, of Plaistow, east London, is one of eight men on trial who deny conspiring to murder thousands by exploding home-made liquid bombs on airliner flights.

Six of the defendants recorded suicide videos outlining their hatred of the West and threatening further attacks, prosecutors said.

The films, recorded on a Sony camcorder, were discovered in defendant Assad Sarwar's car.

During his speech, Islam pointed his finger at the camera and repeatedly checked notes on his lap.

The alleged leader of the gang, Abdulla Ahmed Ali, 27, was present and asked questions from behind the camera.

Islam began: "This is from Umar Islam, the son of Islam, to the people of the world, to let you know the reasons for this action which Inshallah [God willing] I am going to undertake.

"This is an obligation on me as a Muslim to wage Jihad against the Kuffar [non-believers]."

He said: "This is revenge for the actions of the USA in the Muslim lands and their accomplices such as the British and the Jews.

"This is a warning to the non-believers that if they do not leave our lands there are many more like us and many more like me ready to strike until the law of Allah is established on this earth."

Islam said no-one was innocent and accused all British people of being complicit in fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said: "Most of you too busy, you know, watching Home and Away and Eastenders, complaining about the World Cup, drinking your alcohol, to even care about anything.

"That's all you seem to care about, and I know because I've come from that."

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