A close associate of the British Al-Qaeda leader Dhiren Barot is set to be released from prison amid concerns of potential reoffending. Despite efforts by the Justice Secretary to block the release, Abdul Aziz Jalil, now 53 years old, was granted parole after serving 19 years of a 26-year sentence for his involvement in a terrorist plot orchestrated by Barot.
Recent revelations show that Jalil had been released from prison twice before but was most recently detained in March last year for violating his parole by searching for weapons and drones online and engaging in discussions on a Reddit forum. However, the Parole Board, led by HHJ Jeremy Roberts KC, defended its decision to release Jalil, stating that his interest in military publications did not signify a direct intention to engage in terrorist activities.
While acknowledging concerns about Jalil’s potential reoffending, HHJ Roberts KC upheld the Parole Board’s decision, stating that there were no grounds to overturn it. As a result, Jalil will be released under strict counter-terror surveillance. In 2007, Jalil was among seven individuals sentenced for their involvement in a series of planned terrorist attacks in New York and London, narrowly thwarted by authorities.
Jalil, a resident of Luton, played a significant role in aiding Barot by providing logistical support and maintaining a safe house for planning materials. He was also involved in researching radioactivity and attending terrorist training camps in Pakistan. Despite his release, Jalil will remain under close monitoring to prevent any potential terrorist activities.
The group’s plan included detonating a “dirty bomb” and targeting prominent buildings in London. Barot, a key figure in the operation, received a life sentence in 2006 for his role as a senior member of Osama bin Laden’s network. Barot’s history of involvement with extremist groups and his plans to target financial institutions in the US and UK underscore the severity of the terror plot.
Barot’s background as a Hindu who converted to Islam and trained with militant groups in Afghanistan highlights his radicalization path. Sent by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to the US, Barot was believed to be a key figure in al Qaeda’s European operations. Despite his upbringing in the UK, Barot’s extremist ideologies led him to orchestrate deadly attacks, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by individuals radicalized by extremist beliefs.