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Algerian in N.Irish Court on Terrorism Charges
An Algerian man arrested in Northern Ireland on suspicion of having links with al Qaeda appeared in court on Monday accused of receiving bomb-making instructions. Abbas Boutrab, 25, who has been in custody for six months awaiting deportation for immigration offences, faces three charges under British anti-terrorism legislation. He was already in the jug, gave them time to look through his stuff. Bearded and wearing a white T-shirt, Boutrab did not speak during the 10-minute hearing at Belfastâs Laganside Magistratesâ Court, but listened intently to an interpreter who stood beside him in the dock. He is charged with receiving instruction or training in the making or use of explosives, possessing floppy disks, CD-Roms and false identities likely to be of use to terrorists and possessing documents likely to be useful to terrorists. Sounds like he was tasked with training and support. Defense lawyer Joe Rice said Boutrab would plead not guilty to all three charges. He said his client admitted breaching immigration laws in a number of European countries, but denied having any links with terrorism. He believed he was the victim of racial discrimination, he added. "Lies, all lies! Theyâre picking on him cuz heâs a furriner!" Boutrab was arrested on November 3 at Maghaberry Prison, southwest of Belfast, where he had been held for the past six months awaiting deportation as an illegal immigrant. He was remanded in custody until December 8. Posted by: Steve 2003-11-10 |
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