A British man has been charged with four terrorism offences, including assisting the Manchester synagogue attacker with earlier reconnaissance on a UK defence facility. Mohammad Bashir, 31, is accused of helping Jihad Al-Shamie before the October attack and sharing terrorist publications with intent to encourage acts of terrorism, the Crown Prosecution Service announced Thursday.
The charges against Bashir are not directly linked to the synagogue attack itself. He was released without charge in relation to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue assault that killed two worshippers on October 2.
Chief crown prosecutor Frank Ferguson said: "Today, we have decided to prosecute Mohammad Bashir with terrorism offences – following a Counter Terrorism Policing North West investigation into his conduct linked to Jihad Al-Shamie." He confirmed prosecutors concluded there is sufficient evidence to charge Bashir with one offence of preparation of terrorist acts and three offences of sharing terrorist publications with Al-Shamie and others with the intent to encourage acts of terrorism.
The Heaton Park attack
Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old Syrian-born UK citizen, drove his Kia Picanto into the gates of Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, on October 2. He then attacked worshippers with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt, killing Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby before being shot dead by armed police.
Investigation continues
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who has operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, explained the charges came "as a result of inquiries conducted by our investigation team." He emphasized: "Bashir has been released without charge in relation to the terrorist attack. However, he has been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow to face the charges authorised today."
Bashir was arrested on November 27 at Manchester Airport. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Potts confirmed the investigation into the synagogue attack remains active and appealed for public assistance: "I would continue to appeal to anyone with information that could potentially be of assistance to please come forward."
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
