A convicted terrorist linked to a planned attack on an Army base was sent back to prison after authorities suspected he had in his possession a book related to the 9/11 attacks and was using a hidden mobile phone, as reported by the Mirror.
Zahid Iqbal, associated with an Al-Qaeda-inspired group, was released from prison in 2021, sparking controversy that led Justice Secretary David Lammy to face calls for intervention. Iqbal was part of a group that had discussed a plot involving an explosive-laden toy car targeting a Territorial Army site in 2013.
Following his release, Iqbal was found to have breached his conditions by using a secret mobile phone and erasing call records, prompting his recall to prison. While a psychologist mentioned concerns about potential extremist connections, there was no definitive evidence linking him to radical ideologies.
Additionally, Iqbal was found in possession of a Kubotan keychain and was accused of owning conspiracy theory books and materials related to the 9/11 attacks. Despite these allegations, lack of concrete evidence led to no formal pursuit of charges. Lammy challenged the decision by the Parole Board to release Iqbal, citing irrationality.
A judicial member of the Parole Board, Michael Topolski KC, declined Lammy’s appeal on grounds of irrationality but ordered a reevaluation of Iqbal’s case due to insufficient evidence-based reasoning for the initial release decision.
Iqbal now faces a fresh review where a new panel will reassess his situation, likely scrutinizing his behavior in prison and various other aspects. Testimonials from individuals who have interacted with Iqbal, along with input from experts and officials, are expected to be part of the review process.
Initially sentenced to 11 years and three months, with an extended five-year period, for the planned attack in Luton, Iqbal’s potential release earlier this year was met with opposition from Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy, who urged Lammy to prevent it.
The group Iqbal was associated with had planned to construct a bomb based on instructions from an Al-Qaeda manual. Iqbal had been previously imprisoned for engaging in terrorism-related activities, including organizing training in Pakistan and discussing acquiring weapons. Recordings of the group discussing bomb-making were presented in court during their sentencing.
Mr. Justice Wilkie QC, in his remarks during sentencing in April 2013, highlighted the ongoing risk posed by Iqbal and his accomplice, emphasizing their central roles in the plot. Their extended sentences reflected the gravity of their involvement and the potential threat they posed.
The terms of their sentences allow for the possibility of recall to prison during the subsequent five-year license period due to their persistent involvement in terrorist activities and their continued access to extremist material even after being under suspicion.
The judge emphasized the persistent commitment of the individuals to terrorist activities and their dangerous mindset, leading to the imposition of extended sentences to mitigate the risk they posed to society.