A terrorist who plotted to bomb an Army base has been recalled to prison amid concerns he possessed a book about the 9/11 attacks and used a secret mobile phone, the Mirror has learned.
Background of the Case
Zahid Iqbal, 43, was part of a four-man gang that discussed driving a toy car loaded with explosives into a Territorial Army site in Luton in 2013. He was jailed for 16 years after admitting one count of engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism. The gang also arranged terrorism training in Pakistan and discussed obtaining weapons.
Release and Recall
Iqbal was released from prison in 2021 but was recalled after police monitoring his laptop discovered he was using a secret mobile phone and had deleted his call history. Parole Board documents revealed a psychologist could not rule out that he was communicating with other extremists, though he showed no other radical views.
Iqbal also admitted possessing a Kubotan keychain, a self-defense weapon, and was accused of having conspiracy theory books and a book about the 9/11 terrorist attack. This allegation was not pursued due to lack of evidence.
Political and Legal Developments
Justice Secretary David Lammy appealed the Parole Board's decision to direct Iqbal's release, calling it irrational. However, Michael Topolski KC, a judicial member of the Parole Board, refused Lammy's application on irrationality grounds but ordered a new review of Iqbal's release on a point of law, citing the previous panel's failure to provide sufficient evidence-based reasons.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy wrote to Lammy urging him to block the release, expressing deep concern that both the prison offender manager and community offender manager opposed the release.
Fresh Review Ahead
Iqbal will now face a fresh review by a new panel of experts who will reassess his case, including his behavior in prison and other factors. The review will likely hear testimonies from those who have had contact with him, as well as evidence from specialists and officials.
Sentencing and Dangerousness
In 2013, Iqbal was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison, with a five-year extension period, for the planned attack. Sentencing the men, Mr Justice Wilkie QC stated that Iqbal and his co-conspirator Mohammed Sharfaraz Ahmed posed a continuing risk to the public. Their extended sentences reflected their key roles in the plot.
The judge noted their persistent commitment to terrorist activity over a significant period, their willingness to obtain terrorist training abroad, and their continued access to extremist material even under suspicion. He concluded that they remained dangerous, leading to the extended sentence.
Under the terms of their sentences, they could be recalled to prison at any time during the five-year licence period.
