Two brothers from Birmingham, Muhammad Abdul Haleem Heyder Khan (21) and Muhammad Hamzah Heyder Khan (18), have admitted to committing a serious crime related to terrorism. They pleaded guilty on 10th July.
The offense they confessed to is engaging in activities that were meant to prepare for terrorism. This kind of behavior is against the law according to a specific section (Section 5) of the Terrorism Act 2006.
The brothers, who live in Ward End, were taken into custody by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU on 2nd November.
Their trial began recently, but they decided to admit their guilt. The court accepted their guilty plea. They will have to wait until 11th September to be sentenced, which means the punishment for their actions will be determined on that day.
During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, the jury heard that the brothers had become more and more radicalized throughout the year 2022. They had made plans to travel to Afghanistan in order to support and take part in terrorist activities.
To prepare for their trip, the brothers bought clothes and equipment that they believed would be useful. They also researched how to travel to Afghanistan and even filled out application forms to join a terrorist group.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Payne, who works for the Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU, expressed satisfaction with the brothers’ guilty pleas. He mentioned that the evidence against them was strong, leaving them with no other option but to admit that they were getting ready to join and fight for a terrorist organization. He also highlighted the police’s commitment to safeguarding local communities by working together with partners and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to go after and prosecute anyone who supports terrorism.
The police are constantly working hard to counter terrorism. Their most important goal is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work, and visit the West Midlands area.
It’s worth noting that every year, the police receive numerous reports from the public that help them address the terrorist threat. If you notice anything suspicious or strange, it’s important to trust your instincts and report it to the police. You can do this confidentially at the website gov.uk/ACT.
Remember, reporting such information won’t ruin lives, but it could actually save them. It’s also crucial to remember that in case of an emergency, you should always dial 999.
