Brit-Asian BA worker accused of offering to become suicide bomber, spreading terror in UK

LONDON - Rajib Karim, a Bangladeshi born British Airways computer expert who is alleged to have offered himself as a suicide bomber, has denied terrorism charges against him at an Old Bailey hearing today.

According to the Daily Mail, Karim appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey where he pleaded not guilty to two charges of preparing for terrorism. Each count covers the period from April 13 2006 to February 26 2010 and includes the allegation that he ‘offered to be a martyr or suicide bomber’.

The first charge alleges that he was involved in preparation and had intention of committing terrorist activities, including that he ‘incited the giving of permission to carry out terrorist acts in the United Kingdom’.

Karim is also said to have offered to travel to Yemen or Pakistan to carry out terrorism training, and to have advised about potential recruits to commit terrorist acts in the UK. He has also been alleged of staying in the UK long enough to obtain a British passport, the paper said.

It is further claimed that Karim had ‘advised and counselled the commission of terrorist acts by providing information’ on topics like liquids allowances on planes, airport security and scanners, and immigration questions to travellers.

Karim is additionally accused of giving advice about working for BA and obtaining a British passport.

The second charge alleged him of preparing terrorism to assist another to commit terrorist acts, which includes some claims similar to the first count, as well as the accusation that he asked for, collected and sent money for terrorism, the paper added.

The 31-year-old man, of Newcastle upon Tyne, would reportedly remain in custody and is scheduled to go on trial on January 24 at Woolwich Crown Court in south east London. (ANI)