A radical extremist involved in a scheme to instigate a racial conflict by targeting an English Defence League assembly has been given approval for release, despite opposition from David Lammy. Mohammed Hasseen, part of a sextet of Muslim individuals intending to detonate homemade explosives and attack far-right EDL protesters, was sentenced in 2013 to over 23 years in jail for terrorism-related activities.
Although the Justice Secretary contested the Parole Board’s decision to release Hasseen, it was eventually sanctioned. David Lammy MP criticized the verdict, claiming it was illogical and the hearing was unjust, arguing that Hasseen’s objectionable remarks to a prison officer were disregarded by the board.
Sir John Saunders rejected the appeal, acknowledging the gravity of Hasseen’s crimes and the potential for catastrophic outcomes if he were to reoffend. Despite the risks, Sir Saunders stated that the release panel and supportive testimonies had thoroughly considered these factors during the hearing.
Hasseen and his group were deeply immersed in violent content as they planned the assault on the right-wing gathering, as outlined by Nicholas Hilliard QC during their trial. The individuals amassed an extensive collection of extremist materials before their failed attempt on the EDL event, demonstrating a strong interest in radical Islamist ideology emphasizing jihad and violence.
The Birmingham-based group possessed around 18,000 pieces of extremist material, aiming to incite retaliatory violence. Judge Hilliard believed that even though their initial plan was thwarted, they remained inclined to perpetrate atrocities in the future. During sentencing, Tommy Robinson, the former EDL leader, exclaimed patriotic slogans as the sentences were handed down.
All members of the group except Hasseen traveled to Dewsbury to attack the rally in 2012, only to discover that the event had concluded and the attendees had dispersed upon their arrival. Equipped with an array of weapons, they returned to Birmingham after a casual stop for food, evading police detection until a routine traffic stop revealed their arsenal two days later.
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