A 16-year old schoolboy faces a jail term after being convicted today as
Britain's youngest terrorist.
Hammaad Munshi, who was taking his GCSEs when he was arrested, was part of a
cell of cyber-groomers which set out to brainwash the vulnerable to kill
"non-believers". He was convicted at Blackfriars Crown Court of making a
record of material likely to be useful for terrorism over a guide to the
manufacture of napalm.
For nearly a year the teenager, whose grandfather is a leading Islamic
scholar, led a double life, the court heard. By day he attended lessons at
the local comprehensive, and did as he was told. But in the evening, he
spent hours surfing jihadist sites and distributing material to others as
part of what the Crown branded a "worldwide conspiracy" to "wipe out"
non-Muslims.
The court heard that that material contained included instructions about
making napalm, other high explosives, detonators, and grenades, and "how to
kill".
Munshi was 15 when recruited by Aabid Khan, 23, a "key player" to help
radicalise the impressionable and vulnerable in Britain and abroad with his
message of "violent jihad". They lived 10 miles apart, phoned each other
during 2005 and 2006, and swapped documents about "black powder explosives".
Khan wanted to fulfil the teenager’s wish to go abroad and "fight jihad", and
during one internet exchange discussed how the schoolboy might smuggle a
sword through airport security.
The Dewsbury-born teenager was detained a day after Khan as he and friends
returned from local Westborough High School. The IT whizz-kid - whose online
Arabic profile "fidadee" means a "person ready to sacrifice themselves for a
particular cause" - ran a website selling hunting knives and Islamic flags
and was the cell’s computer specialist.
Two bags of ball-bearings - the shrapnel of choice for suicide bombers - were
found in one of his pockets. On his PC were al-Qaeda propaganda videos and
recordings promoting "murder and destruction".
The teenager, whose grandfather is Sheikh Yakub Munshi, president of the
Islamic Research Institute of Great Britain at the Markazi Mosque, Dewsbury,
also stored notes on martyrdom under his bed.
"One who is not taking part in the battle nor has the sheer intention to die
is in the branch of hypocrisy," they read. "I don’t want to be a person like
it has been mentioned about, I don’t want to be deprived of the huge amounts
or lessons Allah has prepared for the believers in the hereafter."
Khan, the schoolboy’s mentor, had links with proscribed terrorist
organisations Jaish'e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, and helped radicalise
jailed "wannabe suicide bomber" Mohammed Atif Siddique.
Khan was returning from Pakistan - possibly after terror camp training - when
detained. The "routine stop" at Manchester Airport on June 6, 2006, yielded
the largest cyber "encyclopaedia" of articles promoting terrorism seized by
police. It included personal information, including addresses, of various
members of the Royal Family, among the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the
Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, and the Earl and
Countess of Wessex.
There was also a guide to killing non-Muslims, and discussions about setting
up a secret Islamic state in a remote area of Scotland.
Also found were US and Canadian military training manuals, a Terrorist’s
Handbook, a Mujahideen Explosives Handbook, and a Mujahideen Poisons
Handbook containing a recipe for ricin and encouragement for "brothers" to
experiment on "kuffar" (non-believers). Sketches of combat suits, which he
dismissed as "ghetto clothing but with an Islamic theme", were in his
Filofax.
Bradford-born Khan - "Del Boy" to his contacts - ran At-Tibiyan Publications,
an "online extremist support network". In one exchange, he spoke of finding
a "big target and taking it out... like a military base in the UK'.
Operation Praline, headed by Leeds Counter-Terrorism Unit, examined a huge
number of files from hard-drives and DVDs in Khan’s suitcase, and identified
two fellow "jihadists".
Sultan Muhammad, 23, a post office night sorter, was Khan’s cousin and
"right-hand man".
They regularly chatted about killing non-believers and buying the explosives
component acetone. He fled to London after Khan’s arrest and was arrested
two weeks later near a "safe house.
Khan, who admitted being interested in jihad at 12, insisted he was in
Pakistan selling mobiles and visiting earthquake victims and claimed the
material police found resulted from "hoarding and curiosity". Munshi did not
give evidence, but used his barrister to also argue "curiosity".
Muhammad remained in the dock as well, suggesting through counsel that the
computer files belonged to others.
But the seven-woman, four-man man jury which spent six days considering the
evidence, convicted them of eight offences under the Terrorism Act committed
between November 23, 2005, and June 20, 2006.
A fourth defendant, Ahmed Sulieman, 30, from south London, was cleared of
three charges of possessing terrorist materials after explaining the files
found belonged to somebody else.
Khan and Muhammad will be sentenced tomorrow. Munshi will be dealt with at the
Old Bailey on September 18 after the preparation of a pre-sentence report,
although he was warned today that he faced a custodial sentence.
"We shouldn't have any tolerance for Militant Islam... but complete tolerance for peaceful Islam."
A contradiction: look at the historic and ideological heart of Islam, the example of Mohammed himself who once massacred an entire Jewish village. Sure there are peaceful Muslims - inconsistent.
Joe, Manchester,
The West will win in the end, but as usual it has taken us a long time to wake up to the threat and there are still equivocators who can't see it.
Frank Upton, Solihull,
Why doesn't the Government shut down all these Islamic websites which are spreading the hate and the poison.
That would be the best thing!!
debbie willoughby, wellington, new zealand
Reading this has turned me from a Conservative voter into a British National Party voter. Roll on the next election.
Yes British citizens living overseas can and do vote!
Ben, Queensland, Australia
I live and work in an Islamic country and if I were caught with such material plotting to kill Muslims, I would be in jail for a very long time, followed by deportation back to the UK. I wonder if he will face such punishment or be protected by Britain's joke of a legal system.
Mary, Manama, Bahrain
"I remember after 9/11 took place that there were loud complaints from Muslims about unfair profiling, but silence in regards to 9/11 itself."
Why do I suspect you "remember" a lot of things that didn't actually happen, Jeff?
Calvin, New York, USA
We shouldn't have any tolerance for Militant Islam... but complete tolerance for peaceful Islam.
btowars, Seattle, USA
I just read about the fall of Constantinople. England, wake up.
Jim R, Oak Glen, USA
The capitalist way f live is parasitic they pollute the earth and the mind of the people to make profit They have slaved, killed and thieved of millions polluted the waters, air, land etc In nature a parasite nit dies when there is no blood to suck capitalist mentalty is a parasite the end isnot far
allan, southport,
"Dont judge Islam on actions of confused muslims or what you hear on TV read up on it from reliable sources" And what constitutes that? 1400 year old books documenting for example Mohammed's massacre of an entire Jewish village (recent Independent report)? Actually, you might be right.
Joe, Manchester,
These are the actions of a very small minority of people, who much like the radicalised christians, jews, hindu's etc. , are 'hell bent' on imposing their particular view of 'God' on the majority...maybe a little less religion and god, and a lot more understanding and forgiveness is what is needed..
Paul Singh, London, UK
More mosques than churches in the UK - where do you get these statistics from? This is just not true there are more Christians living in e.g Pakistan a muslim country, than muslims in the UK
Dont judge Islam on actions of confused muslims or what you hear on TV read up on it from reliable sources
Adam, Birmingham, U.K,
Sing the song "I'll never make love to a woman.."
Hamid, London,
Wake up, People! This is just the beginning.... all coming to a neighborhood near you! Being nice just won't "git er done." Read and learn who the Enemy is. Hint: Open your Bibles.
D. Triplett, Alpine, USA
Following on, as a Muslim, I read the Quran and if you read it with a sound mind, you understand that no where does God ask us to kill so called Non-Muslims, unless its self defense. Those silly kids in the UK are not in a state of war, so it makes no sense to attack so called non-Muslims!
Ali, London,
What a sad world we live in that deluding religion and faith can warp the mind of a young man.
Enda, Dublin, Ireland
He's just a kid going through puberty.
I would have a word with the father though- you are what your parents make you..
sanjay, croydon, UK
In 1992 Ramzi Yousef, the technical mastermind of the first attack on the World Trade Center, slipped into New York. His travelling companion's fake passport and bomb-making manuals diverted the border guards' attention. At Manchester Airport in 2006, did Aabid Khan's possessions divert attention?
G. Peterson, British Columbia, Canada
Isn't it time we looked at voluntary repatriation for immigrants and their descendants? I have lived and worked abroad, and I always knew I would have to go home at some point.
This far-left multi-cultural experiment has clearly failed. We the voters of the UK need to get rid of Labour for good.
John, Chester, UK
Just want to say.... I love the USA and I love most Americans!!
You guys can be a bit painful sometimes, but nothing compared with the freaks mentioned in this article.
Having lived in, and left, the UK - they need to pull their head out of the sand and stop being the doormat of the world.
Jon, Hong Kong,
16 years old is nothing. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, etc have used younger than that for suicide bombings.
Dave, Springfield, MA, USA
It is a global epidemic that needs to be stopped. The fact of the matter is Islam is a violent religion that looks to destoy non believers, subjegate women, and force their views on others. When liberals begin to start living reality, we will be better off.
Jay, Los Angeles, USA
"The even sadder truth is that without the acts of the US there wouldn't be any terrorists."
Right...such as 72 Munich? 88 Locherbie? What about those who killed the russians in the movie theater? What about Darfur?
What were the Nazis during the night of glass?
Boy, another white gutless liberal
Joel, NYC, USA
When will you get fed up and STOP Islamic immigration? The answer is that It isn't politically correct, so you never will. You'd rather tell yourselves that Islam isn't the problem when the evidence is screaming otherwise.
When Sharia law becomes the norm you'll have nowhere else to go.
Tom Johnson, St. Louis, MO, USA
Whose idea was it that thought unlimited amount of immigration into any Country was good for us? This engineered socialism isn't working for any Country. I say, everyone stay home, and those with corrupt governments; people stand up and fight for a better country and overthrow them!
Bobc, Ky, USA
Welcome to the new crusades.
Franklin Renkcelk, Seoul, Korea
We are now more than 2 generations from when the United States pulled Europe out of certain destruction. Twice. Children have not been taught history, and have not the wit to read or learn on their own. England is a country of more mosques than Christian churches. Can we say "IDIOTS?"
jubal, Los Alamos, NM, USA
Where were the young boys parents? I suspect that "boys" in certain families are allowed far too much latitude. I know where my son is.he is not carrying a knife or plotting murder on his computer.Why are Muslim Mothers so powerless in these families?
Rachel, Islington, UK
True that you cant blame all of Islam for the extremism, but the leaders of that religion remaining silent while this behavior takes place speaks volumes. I remember after 9/11 took place that there were loud complaints from Muslims about unfair profiling, but silence in regards to 9/11 itself.
Jeff, Westchester, USA
Poor Derek, he is just one among many of the brainwashed socialists that infest what used to be a proud nation. His country is systematically being taken over by radical Muslims and he throws stones at America. They expect we will bail them out again, I suppose.
We will too.
Joseph , SF, Botswana
Derek, just for the record, when it's time for all citizens to take up arms against this enemy, I'm considering you and your ilk as being on the other side. There's no joke here, I'm serious. I've had it with you fools.
kirk, plano, tx, usa
Watch, he'll only get like 5 years in prison and then released back into the general population more radicalized than before.
Yup, its all the Americans fault. BTW, that's called sarcasm.
Robert, Ft. Lauderdale, United States
I certainly hope the FBI is monitoring activity in the more than 1,000 Mosques here in the USA. We have let Political Correctness run amok here and refuse to profile potential terrorists. After all, the 9/11Terrorists were Islamic males between the ages of 18 and 40.
Dave, Florida, USA
Dave Buck, Palm Bay, USA
A slap on the wrist and a tag on his leg at home, that will be the sentence. Soft touch UK....Laughing stock of the world.
Mark, Leeds,
"From reading this article his only crime was reading up on jihad"
B, Chicago, USA
Are we reading the same article? he associated with Khan who "regularly chatted about killing non-believers and buying the explosives component acetone"
Himself "ran a website selling hunting knives and Islamic flags and was the cell’s computer specialist"
When arrested "Two bags of ball-bearings - the shrapnel of choice for suicide bombers - were found in one of his pockets"
No there is a lot more than "the I was curious" defense covers.
Guy S., Florida, USA
That's right. It's also the USA's fault for the Muslim uprisings in the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan's problems with India, the Beslan school massacre, female genital mutilation, etc..
Don't you get it my fellow Americans? EVERYTHING is our fault! Oh, I'm filled with such self-loathing! RME
Cindy , Orinda, California, United States
B, Chicago, USA ..............AMEN
Sometimes I forget.
david, Boston, U.S.A.
Islam is not the problem...it's the Jihadist's who bastardize it that are.
scott, Georgia, USA
Fortunately the U.S. isn't willing to lay back and not answer the terrorism with resistance. Unfortunately the Europeans are blind to the festering ills they have in their own backyards and the proper medication. These terrorists aren't filling a "need" for a cause of any consequence.
Dennis, Papillion, NE
"The even sadder truth is that without the acts of the US there wouldn't be any terrorists.
Derek, London"
Which acts are you talking about? Was it saving the Muslims of Kosovo and supporting the Afghans against the Soviets then liberating them from Savages, Freeing Kuwait and protecting Saudi?
Rufus Choate, Standford, USA- CT
It's interesting how those who so despise the west are the first to try and protect themselves with its laws.
Chris, Arizona, United States of America
Another example of what President Bush calls the "Religion of Peace".
Mike, Tennessee, USA
G Wascher- have you read My Forbidden Face? That book really shook me up.
Jenny Bea, NYC, USA
We should be careful.. From reading this article his only crime was reading up on jihad and possessing questionable reading material. Let us not become who we are fighting. One should still have the right to socialize and read what he wishes. Thoughts can not be illegal.
B, Chicago, USA
I'm tired of the brits and the rest of Europe blaming the USA for their terrorist problems.If it isnt us its the jews.No blame goes to the fanatical muslims.I tell you what.You Europeans take care of the problem your way.Accept sharia laws.Cuddle and appease the Muslims. Dont call us we'll call you
TY, fairview, nj
Those that do not learn from history are doomed to repeat the lessons.
The children of Ishmael have raised their fists against all men since their father's time. And they will as long as they exist. Promised in Torah, the Bible and the Koran. Fulfilled daily.
Jubal, Los Alamos, NM, USA
The even sadder truth is that without the acts of the US there wouldn't be any terrorists.
Derek, London,
WOW! Ignorance at its finest.
JoJo, USA,
Derek, without the acts of the US there wouldn't be any Great Britain, either. You'd be just another German state. God save the queen! You should smile when you think back to WW II when Germany declared war on the US. Clean up your own back yard before you try to lay all the blame on the US.
JohnC, Baton Rouge,
Derek, the saddest truth of all is that you're too ignorant to realize that the US has only existed since July 4 1776, but that the radical Islamic jihad has been waged against 'infidels' for thousands of years. It's not about Bush, and America, they're just the most publicized targets of TODAY!
sean s., Krefeld,
When he says that "Allah has huge lessons for him in the hereafter",....that should compel non Islamists to sit up and take notice.
Old boyscout motto "Be Prepared"!
Bob, CHARLES TOWN, WV, USA
I always maintained that if we really wanted to punish the Afghans for supporting the taliban and al quaeda we shoul;d hsave left Afghanistan alone after 9/11. Living under the taliban is a worse punishment than antyhing I could ever dream of.
G Wascher, Germantown, WI, USA
Ummm Derek, your country was dealing w/ terrorism LONG before the general population of the US even knew what it was. Are you just angry at us or did you honestly not know your own history?
Shown, Washington, DC,
I can't even begin to fathom why this kid thought this was the best way for him to benefit his fellow Muslims, especially those Muslims that he believes have been wronged. What good is he to them now? He'd have done better to have moved to a Muslim country and taught basic literacy to poor people.
Ian, Washington, DC
islamaphobia
philip, bradford, uk
derek, I wonder where is the us, with the 'laskar el taiba' in jammu kashmir..Your blunt assertion shows your lack of knowledge. International relation. There is definitely a lack of basic education in history and general knowledge in the wets but MUCH more so in the Islamic world..
hans, cape town, south africa
Get off your high horse Derek, not like the UK has clean hands.
Phil, San Diego, USA
Entirely true...we all know it yet no one does anything about it. When is it time to act?
Jisan, North-London, UK
The even sadder truth is that without the acts of the US there wouldn't be any terrorists.
Derek, London,
the sad truth is that there has to be much more of these deluded brainwashed extremists in the UK and across europe. The damage has already been done by allowing mass immigration from islamic nations and its just going to get worse.
Filip, San Francisco CA,