A Phillipino alleged to be an international terrorist "lying low" when arrested in Belfast last January was refused bail in the High Court yesterday. Jaybe Ofrasio, 31, was alleged to have sent e-mails from Falls Road library about the funding of terrorist training camps in the Philippines. His e-mail username `Moroblade` was detected on a computer in Indonesia after the arrest of Mohammed Nasir bin Abbas, a leader of Jemaah Islamiya - a paramilitary organisation said to be linked to Al-Qaeda. Ofrasio has been in custody since his arrest at Hawthorn Street, Falls Road, Belfast. He is accused of making money and property available to terrorists. His bail application had been adjourned until yesterday so that his lawyers could inspect - but not copy - secret CIA intelligence documents, now in the hands of the PSNI.
Barry Macdonald, QC, said while they had seen the documents on Wednesday the prosecution did not appear to have permission to use them as evidence. It could take months before the American authorities gave permission, he said, and in the meantime Ofrasio was being held in custody when there was no evidence against him. Mr Macdonald said that even if the court came to the conclusion that Ofrasio was `Moroblade` he was still entitled to bail pending his trial. Stephen Fowler, for the Crown, said steps were being taken to get permission from the American authorities and added: "We have been informed that the documents will be made available." He said the documents related to various financial transactions between Ofrasio and Abbas "as a result of which money would be available to terrorists and for terrorist training camps."
Mr Fowler said another e-mail indicated that Ofrasio was aware that his property in Cotabato City in the Philippines was being used by terrorists. He said Ofrasio had received an e-mail instructing him how to avoid detection by not drawing attention to himself in the locality where he was staying and telling him "how to disappear." "He was an Islamic radical lying low in Belfast when he was arrested," it was alleged at a previous hearing. Mr Fowler said Ofrasio got married in 2001 to a nurse working in Belfast`s Royal Victoria Hospital but subsequently spent two years in Saudi Arabia without her. "There is very serious concern about him turning up for his trial if he was released on bail," said Mr Fowler. Mr Justice Weatherup said he could not be satisfied that Ofrasio would not abscond and refused bail. |