LONDON (AP) – Two men accused of plotting to gun down Jews in an Islamic State-inspired attack in northwest England were held without bail Tuesday after appearing in a London court.
Walid Saadaoui, 36, and Amar Hussein, 50, were accused of planning to use automatic weapons to kill Jews, police and military personnel, prosecutors said in Westminster Magistrates´ Court.
The duo face charges of preparing terrorist acts between Dec. 13 and last Thursday.
The charges come as incidents of antisemitism in the U.K. hit a record high last year – with a spike following Hamas´ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and Israel´s ensuing military campaign in Gaza, according to Community Security Trust, an advocacy group for British Jews that works to eliminate antisemitism.
“This is one of a number of recent and ongoing cases that demonstrate why the Jewish community needs such extensive security measures,” said Amanda Bomsztyk, northern regional director of the trust.
A third man, Bilel Saadaoui, 35, was accused of making arrangements for the expected death of his brother, co-defendant Walid Saadaoui.
He pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to disclose information about an act of terrorism.
Defense lawyer Angelo Saponiere said Bilel Saadaoui was a family man unaware of the alleged plot.
The three were arrested last week by Greater Manchester Police. They were held without bail and scheduled to appear May 24 for a hearing in the Central Criminal Court.