A man has been charged with terrorism offences following an investigation linked to the individual behind the attack on a Manchester synagogue earlier this year.
Charges Laid Following Counter-Terror Probe
Mohammad Bashir, 31, from Cheetham Hill, Manchester, was arrested at Manchester airport on 27 November. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now authorised four charges against him. These comprise one count of preparation for terrorist acts and three counts of disseminating terrorist publications.
Frank Ferguson, the chief crown prosecutor for the CPS's special crime and counter-terrorism division, stated that prosecutors found sufficient evidence to proceed. "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 said.
Connection to Attacker but Not Directly to Incident
The charges relate to Bashir's alleged assistance to Jihad al-Shamie, the man responsible for the attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in early October. However, authorities have clarified that the new charges are not directly connected to that specific incident.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Counter Terrorism Policing North West explained: "Bashir has been charged with a number of terrorism offences, including preparation for acts of terrorism. The charges were not directly linked to the terrorist attack which took place at the synagogue but have come as a result of enquiries conducted by our investigation team."
Bashir was released without charge in relation to the synagogue attack itself but has been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Appeal
The investigation into the October attack remains active. Police continue to appeal for information from the public. ACC Potts added: "I would continue to appeal to anyone with information that could potentially be of assistance to please come forward. I would also like to once again thank members of the community for their continued patience and support."
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of UK counter-terrorism units to investigate not only direct acts of violence but also the networks of support and preparation that enable them.
