An extremist with intentions to incite racial conflict by attacking an English Defence League gathering has been approved for release despite opposition from David Lammy. Mohammed Hasseen, along with five other individuals, conspired to detonate homemade explosives and harm right-wing EDL demonstrators but missed the opportunity as they arrived after the event had ended. Hasseen, aged 24 at the time, was sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison in 2013 for his involvement in terrorist activities.
Despite objections from the Secretary of State for Justice regarding the Parole Board’s decision, Hasseen has been deemed suitable for release. David Lammy MP criticized the board for overlooking Hasseen’s alarming statements to a prison officer, calling the decision “unreasonable and unfair.” Sir John Saunders, however, rejected the appeal, emphasizing the severity of Hasseen’s crimes and the potential for catastrophic outcomes should he engage in similar activities if released.
During their trial, it was revealed that Hasseen and his accomplices consumed a significant amount of extremist content as they planned their assault on the EDL rally. The group amassed a large collection of radical materials, indicating a deep interest in violent Islamist ideology centered on jihad and retribution.
The Birmingham-based group possessed approximately 18,000 pieces of extremist material, intending to provoke a cycle of violence. Judge Hilliard remarked that their failure to execute the attack did not diminish their dangerous intentions, expressing concerns about their potential to commit atrocities in the future. At sentencing, the EDL’s then-leader, Tommy Robinson, reacted defiantly from the courtroom as the group received their verdicts.
All members of the gang, except Hasseen, traveled to Dewsbury to carry out the attack but were thwarted due to the early conclusion of the rally. Armed with various weapons, including explosives and firearms, the group returned to Birmingham after indulging in a meal. Their plan was only discovered when a routine police stop led to the seizure of a vehicle containing their weaponry two days later.
Opt for Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for timely access to curated news content.
At Reach and across our entities , we and our partners utilize data from cookies and other identifiers on your device to enhance site experience, analyze usage patterns, and display personalized ads. You have the option to decline data sharing or selling by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the page. Please be aware that preferences are specific to your browser. Your use of our site and services indicates your consent to the use of cookies and agreement with the practices outlined in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.
