You can’t send us to Italy – we’ll be tortured, say terror suspects
THREE Kurdish refugees accused of plotting terror attacks on high-profile figures across Europe are set to remain in Britain after claiming they might be tortured in an Italian jail.
They were arrested l ast November as part of a European-wide investigation into the ‘dangerous and active’ jihadist group Rawti Shax.
They are wanted in Italy on suspicion of conspiracy to commit international terrorism or subverting democracy.
The terror cell planned to join Islamic State in overthrowing the Iraqi Kurdistan government and establishing a caliphate, according to the Italian authorities.
Violent plots were allegedly hatched by the group on the ‘dark web’ – encrypted parts of the internet where illegal activity is rife – and ‘martyrs’ were offered cash rewards and sent to a military training camp between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard Awat Hamasalih, 34, Bakr Hamad, 39, and Zana Rahim, 32, aimed to kidnap dignitaries, i ncluding a British ambassador, to barter for the release of hate preacher Mullah Krekar, 60, who controlled Rawti Shax from a prison in Norway.
Krekar’s son-in-law Rahim, described as a ‘senior leader’ of the group in charge of propaganda, visited him there after his arrest in 2012.
Hamad was said to be a computer expert leading ‘radicalisation for the jihad in Kurdistan’, while Hamasalih t r avelled Europe recruiting, seeking funds and spreading ‘jihadi values’.
But a request for their extradi- tion from Italian prosecutors was opposed by the men’s lawyers, who argued that they could be tortured or killed in prison in Italy.
They also claimed an extradition would be in breach of international laws that prevent the illegal returning of refugees.
They cited European Convention on Human Rights articles covering the right to life and prohibition of torture.
Julian Knowles QC, for the Italian judicial authorities, previously said: ‘The organisation aimed to establish a caliphate in Iraqi Kurdistan and also to establish cells in Europe to share and disseminate jihadi material and to participate in jihad in Iraq and Syria, together with IS and al-Nusra (the Syrian branch of Al Qaeda).
‘The objectives of the organisation were established, as were the existence of a military training camp which was run by a group called the Kurdistan Battalion, which operated between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is described as a transnational, radical and fundamental group.’
Mr Knowles added: ‘Their purpose is international terrorism, operating on the internet and active in Europe and the Middle East. They drew up plans to carry out violent actions against Western targets.
‘They may have been Italiancentred, but the attacks were to take place across Europe, including here in England.’
Outlining Rahim’s role in the group, Mr Knowles said: ‘He was seen as a senior leader in public and i n secret, dictating the actions and management of Rawti Shax.’
Hamad is alleged to be the computer expert of the group, using his expertise to engage in ‘proselytising and radicalisation for the jihad in Kurdistan’ on Rawti Shax’s secret website.
It is claimed he helped run the financial side of the organisation, trying to raise funds. Hamad also asked young Muslims if they were willing to engage in martyrdom, the court was told.
Nine other suspects in the case have been detained in Norway and Italy, and Italian prosecutors have indicated that they are trial-ready.
However, Senior District Judge Howard Riddle ruled against the extradition of the three in the UK on procedural grounds.
Under the European Arrest Warrant prosecutors have to be ready to charge extradited suspects immediately.
The Crown Prosecution Service is appealing against the ruling.
‘Plans to carry out violent actions ’