A London courtroom was plunged into silence as prosecutors played a chilling voicemail from an ISIS terrorist threatening British aid worker David Haines, who was later executed by the notorious jihadist group.
The harrowing recording featured Jihad al-Shamie, a British-born ISIS fighter, menacingly telling Haines: "We've got you, we've got your blood." The message was left on Haines's phone in 2013 while he was held captive in Syria.
The terror connection hits closer to home than many realised, as al-Shamie's own brother, Jamshed al-Shamie, now faces terrorism charges in the UK for allegedly funding his sibling's activities with the Islamic State.
Brother's Betrayal: Funding Terror from British Soil
Jamshed al-Shamie, 32, appeared at the Old Bailey accused of sending £3,000 to support his brother's terrorist endeavours in Syria. Prosecutors allege the money transfers occurred between August and November 2013, directly funding Jihad's activities with the murderous regime.
The court heard how Jihad al-Shamie had travelled to Syria earlier that year, joining the ranks of ISIS as they carved out their brutal caliphate. His threatening message to Haines represents one of the most direct links between UK-based supporters and the atrocities committed overseas.
A Nation Mourns: The Tragic Fate of David Haines
David Haines, a 44-year-old humanitarian worker from Perth, Scotland, was captured in Syria in March 2013 while working for the French agency ACTED. His captivity ended tragically in September 2014 when he became the first British hostage executed by ISIS in their notorious propaganda videos.
His death sent shockwaves through Britain and highlighted the grave dangers facing aid workers in conflict zones. The voicemail played in court provides a terrifying glimpse into the final moments of his captivity.
Justice Pursued: The Legal Battle Against Terror Networks
Jamshed al-Shamie denies two counts of entering funding arrangements for terrorist purposes. The prosecution, led by Duncan Atkinson KC, argues the money transfers were clearly intended to support terrorism, given the timing and Jihad's known affiliation with ISIS.
The case continues to unfold at the Old Bailey, with the trial expected to reveal further details about how terrorist networks operate across international borders and exploit financial systems to fund their atrocities.
This developing story represents ongoing efforts by UK authorities to combat terrorism financing and hold accountable those who enable extremism, whether through direct action or financial support.
