A man from Manchester has been charged with terrorism offences following an investigation linked to the individual behind a recent attack on a city synagogue.
Charges Brought After Counter-Terrorism Investigation
Mohammad Bashir, aged 31 and from Cheetham Hill, Manchester, was charged with four terrorism offences on Thursday. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charges, which include one count of preparation for acts of terrorism and three counts of dissemination of terrorist publications.
Bashir was arrested at Manchester Airport on 27 November. He is accused of assisting Jihad al-Shamie, the man identified as the perpetrator of the attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in early October.
Offences Not Directly Linked to Synagogue Incident
Police have been clear that the charges do not relate directly to the violent incident at the synagogue itself. Instead, they stem from a wider investigation into Bashir's alleged conduct in connection with al-Shamie.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Counter Terrorism Policing North West stated: "The charges were not directly linked to the terrorist attack which took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue but have come as a result of enquiries conducted by our investigation team."
Potts confirmed that Bashir was released without charge in relation to the actual attack but has been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday concerning the new terrorism allegations.
Prosecution Details and Ongoing Probe
Frank Ferguson, the chief crown prosecutor for the CPS's special crime and counter-terrorism division, outlined the basis for the prosecution. "Our prosecutors have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge Mohammad Bashir with one offence of preparation of terrorist acts and three offences of sharing terrorist publications with … Shamie and others with the intent to encourage acts of terrorism," he said.
The CPS worked closely with Counter Terrorism Policing North West during the investigation. One specific allegation is that Bashir assisted al-Shamie with earlier reconnaissance on a UK defence facility.
Police continue to appeal for information, emphasising that their investigation into the synagogue attack remains active. "I would continue to appeal to anyone with information that could potentially be of assistance to please come forward," added ACC Potts, who also thanked the community for its patience.
