An Iraqi national, Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, has appeared in court accused of failing to disclose information about an impending terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.
Ali Hakim, who reportedly entered the UK illegally and later gained indefinite leave to remain, is alleged to have been a close associate of the attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old Syrian-born British citizen. Al-Shamie drove into the synagogue gates on October 2 and carried out a knife attack, killing two people and injuring several others before being shot dead by police. He was reportedly wearing a fake suicide belt and was on bail for an alleged rape at the time of the attack.
According to prosecutor Sally-Anne Russell, Ali Hakim and Al-Shamie met multiple times in the lead-up to the attack, including the day before. CCTV evidence allegedly shows Ali Hakim condoning and supporting the planned violence. Conversations captured on October 1 reportedly include Al-Shamie telling Ali Hakim, "Today is my last day, but don't say anything," to which Ali Hakim allegedly replied, "No, no, may Allah bless you."
Al-Shamie also allegedly told Ali Hakim, "The last time you see me, tomorrow for (prayer)," and "You've helped me." Ali Hakim is quoted as having responded, "Anyway, go and die anyway, you can die, die from here, die from tomorrow, listen, you understand me."
The court heard that the pair were present for morning prayers on October 2 but did not speak. Later that evening, after the attack, Ali Hakim allegedly attended the mosque and was overheard condoning Al-Shamie's actions to another worshipper, 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, Ali Hakim reportedly questioned the worshipper's objection. Earlier, on September 29, Ali Hakim and Al-Shamie were allegedly discussing "paradise and hellfire" after leaving a mosque. Ali Hakim is accused of asking Al-Shamie, "You know what to say, right?" and instructing him to get "down on the floor." The court heard that Ali Hakim was with Al-Shamie when items for the fake suicide belt were purchased.
Following his arrest, Ali Hakim reportedly denied being close to Al-Shamie and expressed unhappiness about the attack, claiming he was unaware of any plans and would have stopped them. He also suggested some of his mosque comments may have been influenced by cannabis use. Ali Hakim has denied one count of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from knife wounds, while Adrian Daulby, 53, sustained a fatal gunshot wound from police. Three other individuals were hospitalized with serious injuries but have since been released.
Ali Hakim made two failed illegal attempts to enter the UK in 2007 before entering undetected later that year and being granted indefinite leave to remain in 2010. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey next month. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.