Heathrow Man Admits Planning Terrorist Acts

A man arrested at Heathrow Airport who was in contact with a so called 'lyrical terrorist' has admitted three charges of preparing a terrorist act and other charges related to terrorist activities.

The man named as Sohail Qureshi from East London was arrested in November 2006 as he attempted to get onto a flight bound for Islamabad. On his person were large quantities of cash, computer material with terrorist links, a night sight and medical supplies.

Qureshi aged 29 was in contact with Samina Malik known to many as the 'lyrical terrorist' who was also arrested and convicted of storing terrorist information. The most alarming thing about Maliks involvement was that she actually worked at WHSmith in Heathrow's Terminal 4. Her name 'lyrical terrorist' was given due to her tendency to write poems about terrorism and beheading non-believers.

The contact between the two was published by Police including one email from Qureshi saying, "Sis, I hope you get this email before anyone else. What is the system like at work? Is the checking still very harsh or have things calmed down a bit?"

Police intercepted the emails between the two after suspicion was aroused. Some emails had even more blatent content such as one sent not long before Qureshi was arrested saying "Pray that I kill many, brother. Revenge, revenge, revenge."

The trial continues.

Published by: Jon Vickery