Suspects in alleged terror plot make first appearance in court
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published August 23, 2006
LONDON - Eleven suspects charged in an alleged plot to blow up U.S.-bound airliners appeared in court for the first time Tuesday, and the eight men who faced the most serious charges were ordered held until next month as detectives press on with their investigation.
The accused wore gray sweat pants and white jail-issued T-shirts or sweat shirts, with the exception of Cossar Ali, the only woman charged, who wore a vibrant blue hijab. They spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth.
Ali, the mother of an 8-month-old boy, also was the only suspect to request bail during Tuesday's proceedings. Her request was denied by Judge Timothy Workman.
The eight men charged with the most serious offenses of conspiracy to murder and preparing to commit terrorism - Tanvir Hussain, 25; Ahmed Ali, 25; Umar Islam, 28; Arafat Khan, 25; Assad Ali Sarwar, 26; Adam Khatib, 19; Ibrahim Savant, 25; and Waheed Zaman, 22 - were ordered held until a second court appearance on Sept. 4.
Cossar Ali, 24, who is married to defendant Ahmed Ali, and 24-year-old Mehran Hussein, were ordered to appear on Tuesday. Both were charged with failing to disclose information that could help prevent a terrorist act. Their lawyers told the court that their clients would plead not guilty.
A 17-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons and who is charged with possessing material that could be used to prepare a terrorist act, also was ordered back in court next week.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the suspects probably would go on trial sometime in 2007. Because of the number of suspects, proceedings may be split into two or more trials, which could last many months.
Eleven others remain in custody and have not been charged. Investigators have until today to decide if they will be charged or released or to ask for more time to investigate.
British officials announced they had foiled the alleged plot on Aug. 10. Tighter security was immediately imposed at airports around the world, and passengers in Britain were banned from carrying hand luggage and liquids onto planes.
