An Iraqi national, Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, has appeared in court accused of knowing about an impending terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and failing to inform the authorities. Ali Hakim, who had previously entered the UK illegally, is alleged to have been a close associate of Jihad Al-Shamie, the Syrian-born British citizen who carried out the attack on October 2.
Al-Shamie drove into the synagogue gates and launched a knife attack, resulting in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53. Several other individuals sustained injuries. Al-Shamie, who was wearing a fake suicide belt, was killed by police gunfire at the scene. He was reportedly on bail for an alleged rape at the time of the attack.
Ali Hakim pleaded not guilty to one count of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Prosecutor Sally-Anne Russell presented CCTV evidence and alleged conversations between Ali Hakim and Al-Shamie in the lead-up to the attack. According to the prosecution, these interactions showed Ali Hakim 'condoning and supporting' the planned action.
On October 1, the day before the attack, Al-Shamie was allegedly heard saying, 'Today is my last day, but don't say anything.' Ali Hakim reportedly replied, 'No, no, may Allah bless you.' Al-Shamie then allegedly told Ali Hakim, 'The last time you see me, tomorrow for (prayer),' and added, 'You've helped me.' Ali Hakim is alleged to have responded, 'Anyway, go and die anyway, you can die, die from here, die from tomorrow, listen, you understand me.' Al-Shamie reportedly replied, 'Yeah, yeah, let me go and read Qu-ran.' The court heard the pair were together for morning prayers on October 2, the day of the attack, but did not speak to each other.
Later that evening, after the attack, Ali Hakim attended the mosque and was described as 'visibly upset.' The court heard that in a conversation with another worshipper, Ali Hakim 'condoned' Al-Shamie's actions, stating, 'He served all Muslims, Allahu Akbar. 'Glory be to Allah, His Messenger and the Believers… he did it (in the cause of Allah).' When challenged that Al-Shamie's actions were wrong, Ali Hakim allegedly responded, 'Why? Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.'
Previously, on September 29, Al-Shamie and Ali Hakim were reportedly discussing 'paradise and hellfire' after leaving their mosque. The prosecution alleged that Ali Hakim asked Al-Shamie, 'You know what to say, right?' and then instructed him to get 'Down on the floor, down, down on the floor, down, down on the floor, alright.' The court heard Ali Hakim was with Al-Shamie when items were purchased for the fake suicide belt.
Following his arrest, Ali Hakim reportedly denied being 'close' with Al-Shamie and stated he was unhappy the attack had occurred. He claimed he was unaware of any plans and would have intervened if he had been. The court heard he suggested some of his mosque comments might have been influenced by cannabis use. Ali Hakim made two failed illegal attempts to enter the UK in 2007 before successfully entering undetected later that year and was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2010.
District Judge Briony Clarke remanded Ali Hakim in custody pending his next hearing at the Old Bailey next month. He faces a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison if convicted.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from knife wounds inflicted by Al-Shamie. Adrian Daulby, 53, sustained a fatal bullet wound from police gunfire. Three other men were hospitalized with serious injuries but have since been released.