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Britain to indict most of London suspects
British police, investigating an alleged plot to blow up US-bound airliners, are optimistic they will be able to charge most of the 23 suspects in custody, reports said on Sunday. The newspaper reports come after the British Broadcasting Corp said that detectives have recovered martyrdom videos as well as a suitcase containing components needed to make a bomb.Senior police and government officials told The Sunday Times that more than half of the 23 suspects held over the alleged plot to blow up the trans-Atlantic airliners are expected to be charged with terrorist offences. Most of the 23 can be held until Wednesday before police have to ask a judge to further extend their detention, police say. Under Britains anti-terror laws, police can hold them up to 28 days before charging or releasing them. Two people arrested by the police have already been released. The Sunday Times said that police are building a strong case after having uncovered bomb-making equipment, chemicals, a large sum of cash, at least one gun and significant documents. The BBC, quoting unofficial police sources, reported that detectives found at least half a dozen martyrdom videos on laptops apparently recorded by some of the suspects as they prepared for suicide attacks. Londons Metropolitan Police declined to comment on the report. The BBC has also reported that police had found a suitcase containing components needed to make an explosive device in High Wycombe, northwest of London. A police spokeswoman told AFP late on Saturday that investigators are still searching 12 locations. Since announcing the foiled plot, they have obtained more than 50 search warrants. Senior sources quoted by The Sunday Times claim that the first batch of suspects will be charged with terrorism offences within the next 10 days. Additional: LONDON (AP) -- Eleven people were charged Monday with conspiracy to commit murder in the alleged plot to blow up as many as 10 trans-Atlantic jetliners, prosecutors said Monday. One person, a woman, was released without charge. The investigation discovered bomb-making equipment, including chemicals and electrical components, along with the existence of martyrdom videos on the computers belonging to those in custody, said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke. He didn't say if those in custody had made the videos. Posted by: Fred 2006-08-21 |
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