Embassy of Israel terrorist attack planner jailed for 20 years

At The Old Bailey (pictured), Albadri was found guilty of the preparation of terrorist acts contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. He was given a life sentence (with a minimum jail term of 20 years) for the Section 5 offence and a total sentence of one year and six months – to run concurrently – for the possession of bladed weapons-related offences.

Following his arrest outside the Embassy, an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing detectives found that Albadri wanted to attack the Embassy of Israel as an act of revenge against the Israeli Government’s actions in Gaza. Body-worn footage from Albadri’s arrest showed that he told officers he had “weapons” and wanted to “make a crime” inside the Embassy.

Officers found two knives with red-and-white handles inside his pockets. Albadri was also carrying a martyrdom note.

Analysis of Albadri’s smart phone by the investigation team revealed that, in the days before he attempted to enter the Embassy of Israel, he had researched its location. Officers also recovered surveillance footage from the day of the incident in which Albadri was seen walking from Kilburn in North West London to the Embassy. He was wearing a red-and-white scarf wrapped around his head and mouth in addition to sunglasses.

Officers discovered that Albadri had searched several Arabic terms related to suicide and martyrdom during the five days leading up to his arrest. These Internet searches further strengthened the case that he had been planning to carry out a terrorist attack, particularly when contrasted with his previous search history, which had been focused around his attempts to secure asylum status after entering the UK on a small boat from France on 12 April last year.

Courageous and swift actions 

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, observed: “Albadri’s attempt to carry out a terrorist attack at the Embassy of Israel was thwarted due to the courageous and swift actions of officers on duty, who prevented him from breaching the security perimeter.”

Flanagan continued: “The significant prison sentence he has received reflects the danger he posed on the day and the lack of remorse he has shown since he was arrested. I want to praise the officers’ incredible bravery and professionalism, which, remarkably, resulted in no serious injuries, despite those officers being confronted by a man armed with knives and intent on carrying out a terrorist attack.”

Further, Flanagan explained: “Sadly, the Embassy of Israel has faced various security alerts in recent times. However, Counter Terrorism Policing works closely with the Embassy of Israel and our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service to continuously review and strengthen protective security plans and ensure the site – and the wider community – is kept as safe as possible.”

Following the two-week trial at The Old Bailey, Albadri (of no fixed abode) was convicted of one count of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006, and two counts of possession of a pointed or bladed article, contrary to Section 139(1) and (6) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.