Suicide bomb plot suspect 'volunteered as British Airways cabin crew'
A British Airways computer expert charged with terror offences planned to take advantage of a strike by BA staff to become a temporary member of the cabin crew, a court heard today.
Rajib Karim, 30, from Newcastle upon Tyne, faces three charges under counter terrorism legislation. He is accused of two counts of planning suicide bombings and his own martyrdom. It is alleged that Mr Karim came to Britain, obtained a passport and secured a job at the airline as part of the conspiracy.
Prosecutor Colin Gibbs told City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court that the charge sheet alleges he shared information about his work, including security measures, and offered to take advantage of planned strikes by BA staff to join the airline’s cabin crew.
Anti-terrorist sources told The Times last night that investigations were continuing into possible contact between Mr Karim and militants in Yemen from where al-Qaeda launched its failed attempt to bring down a US airliner over Detroit at Christmas. . . Urgent inquiries are also understood to be under way in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Yemen to trace the others allegedly involved.
His (Karim’s) solicitor James Nicolls said he did not want his client’s address made public over fears of reprisal attacks against his young family. He did not apply for bail. District Judge Timothy Workman remanded Mr Karim in custody and adjourned the case until March 26 at the Old Bailey.
Posted on 03/11/2010 9:57 AM by Esmerelda Weatherwax
