Algerian terror suspect alleges racial bias

AN ALGERIAN man arrested in Belfast by police investigating terrorism by al-Qaida has claimed he was the victim of racial discrimination, a court heard yesterday.

Abbas Boutrab, 25, was detained last week at the high-security Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn, Co Antrim, where he had been held for six months for allegedly breaking immigration laws.

He faced three charges when he appeared before a magistrate in Belfast.

Boutrab was accused of receiving instructions or training in the making or use of explosives.

He was also charged with possessing floppy discs, CD-ROMS and a number of false identities in circumstances which gave rise to reasonable suspicion that the possession of the items was for a purpose in connection with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terror.

He faced a third charge of possessing documents and records containing information likely to be of use to persons committing or preparing an act of terrorism. Magistrate Mark Hammil was told by a detective sergeant that when charged Boutrab replied: “I am not guilty.”

An interpreter stood with Boutrab throughout the eight-minute hearing.

His solicitor Joe Rice then cross-examined the investigating officer, who confirmed that Mr Boutrab had been held at Maghaberry for six months before he was arrested.

He also confirmed that he gave police an explanation about how he came into possession of the documents, claiming he would not have kept the material if he had known it was prohibited and illegal.

The officer confirmed the defendant had admitted breaching immigration laws in a number of countries but denied any terrorist activity or connection with any Islamic terrorist group.

The charges date between July 14 last year and April 15 this year.

The officer also confirmed to Mr Rice that the defendant claimed he was the victim of racial discrimination and had denied all involvement in crime.

Boutrab, bearded and dressed in a white t-shirt did not speak throughout the hearing.

He was remanded in custody for four weeks but his solicitor indicated he would be making a High Court application for bail. After the hearing Mr Rice said: “He has no criminal record. He has never been arrested in Europe and denies any links with Islamic terrorist groups.”