Man charged with offences linked to Manchester synagogue attacker

"Today, 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. Bashir has been charged with assisting Jihad al-Shamie, above, in connection with terrorism related offences. Our prosecutors have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge Mohammad Bashir with one offence of preparation of terrorist acts and three offences of sharing terrorist publications with Shamie and others with the intent to encourage acts of terrorism."

"Bashir had been charged with a number of terrorism offences, including preparation for acts of terrorism and that the charges were not directly linked to the terrorist attack which took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue but have come as a result of enquiries conducted by our investigation team. He added that Bashir had been released without charge in relation to the terrorist attack, but was remanded in custody to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Friday in connection with the latest charges."

Mohammad Bashir, 31, was arrested at Manchester airport on 27 November and charged with four terrorism offences. The Crown Prosecution Service charged him with one count of preparation of terrorist acts and three counts of dissemination of terrorist publications. Prosecutors said evidence links his conduct to Jihad al-Shamie and that publications were shared with intent to encourage terrorism. The charges resulted from a Counter Terrorism Policing North West investigation. Greater Manchester Police said the charges are not directly linked to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue attack. Bashir was released without charge over that attack but remanded in custody to appear at Westminster magistrates court. Police continue to appeal for information.

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