Mohiussunnath Chowdhury
Mohiussunnath Chowdhury is a
2017 attack outside Buckingham Palace
Chowdhury used a sword to attack
2020 convictions
Chowdhury prepared for terrorist attacks by exercising and practising stabbing as well as beheading. Among prospective targets were Madame Tussauds, the Pride parade and tourist buses. He collected knives as part of the preparations.[2] Chowdhury called deceased Yemeni-American imam Anwar al-Awlaki a "key inspiration" as well as salafi Muslim cleric Sheikh Faisal, previously based in the UK. Chowdhury posted images online from the Islamic State's official propaganda channels.[5] He consumed Islamist propaganda and afterwards also right-wing extremist material, the latter in order to justify an attack. Chowdhury purchased a signed copy of Mohammed’s Koran – Why Muslims Kill for Islam, written by Tommy Robinson and Peter McLoughlin. Chowdhury brought it with him to the local mosque in Luton and showed it to worshippers he believed to also be jihadists. Chowdhury claimed in court that Robinson (founder of the English Defence League) demonstrated understanding of jihadi doctrine.[6] Chowdhury and his 25-year-old sister Sneha were arrested on 3 July 2019 in Luton.[4] According to prosecutors, the 28-year-old Chowdhury intended to kill non-Muslims while the defence barrister argued that Chowdhury was simply seeking attention but had no plans to take actions.[2][5] Chowdhury was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court on 10 February 2020 for planning terrorist attacks at several locations in London and his sister was convicted for failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.[2] He was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 25 years.[3]
References
- ^ "Convicted terrorist of Bangladeshi-origin sets 'meeting Allah' at 7th position on his to-do list for heaven". Dhaka Tribune. 17 February 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Man guilty of plotting tourist hotspot attacks". BBC News. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ a b Addison, Stephen (9 July 2020). "Man who planned to attack London gay pride march jailed for life". Reuters.
- ^ a b c d e "Buckingham Palace sword attacker convicted of plotting new terror attacks after being acquitted and freed from prison". The Independent. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "How jihadi used signed copy of Tommy Robinson book to justify terror attack plans". The Independent. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.