Algerian remanded in custody over Swedish terror plot

AN Algerian man arrested in the Swedish terror plot last week was remanded in custody while gardaí seek to establish his true identity.

Algerian Ali Charaf Damachie, 45, with an address at High Street, Waterford, was one of seven Muslim people arrested earlier this month on suspicions of conspiracy to murder Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, who drew the prophet Muhammad with the body of a dog.

The four men and three women were arrested in Cork and Waterford following an international operation involving European and US security services.

Charaf Damachie was charged with sending a text message of a menacing character, on January 9, 2010.

At Waterford District Court, Inspector Padraig Dunne said Gardaí were still trying to establish the man’s true identity and therefore sought to remand him in custody for another week.

However, the man’s solicitor, Brian Chesser, said he did not object to the remand — but the reason given. He said his client had a previous conviction and had been fingerprinted by Interpol which had established his identity. “I wish the charade used would stop as soon as possible,” he said.

Mr Chesser added that Ali Charaf Damachie was an Irish citizen and so had all the rights that went with that. He added that a bail application had come before the High Court on Thursday and would be heard again on Tuesday.

Judge David Kennedy remanded the defendant in custody until Thursday, March 25.

Meanwhile, Libyan Abdul Salam Monsour Khalil Al-Jahani and with an address at 74 Johnstown, Waterford, pleaded guilty to failing to provide documentation to Gardaí pursuant to Section 12 and 13 of the Immigration Act 2004.

Inspector Padraig Dunne said that he could not confirm whether or not the defendant had previous convictions.

Defending solicitor Charlene O’Keeffe said she was instructed that he did not have previous convictions.

The 32-year-old Libyan entered Ireland in 2001 when he sought asylum. He gave the false name of Aalim Almeskaty because he had previously sought asylum in Holland under his real name. He could not use that name again to seek asylum in another country.

He married in an Islamic contract and he was unemployed and on social welfare. In October 2008 he was granted leave to remain in the state until July 2011.

Judge Kennedy noted that he had previously sought asylum in Holland and said he would have to go back there.

He imposed a sentence of three months in jail and a fine of €1,500 to be paid forthwith.