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Islamic State supporter 'hero-worshipped' mastermind of 2015 Paris attacks, court told
The plot involved purchasing six firearms to target Jewish people in Manchester, inspired by the 2015 Paris attacks, according to prosecutors.
- On Thursday, prosecutors said Walid Saadaoui, 38, of Abram, Greater Manchester, and Amar Hussein, 52, are accused of preparing a terrorist attack by planning, reconnaissance, and arranging firearms.
- Harpreet Sandhu KC told jurors that Walid Saadaoui hero‑worshipped Abdelhamid Abaaoud, Islamic State terrorist behind the 2015 Paris attacks, and posted praise of him on Facebook in January 2023.
- Court heard he bought six firearms and paid thousands, prosecutors said the assault rifles were `fierce` like those used in Paris, and Saadaoui was arrested during delivery in a Bolton car park last year.
- Prosecutors say the plot targeted Jewish people in the north-west, but police thwarted it after an undercover operative exposed Saadaoui's fake accounts, `Liya Ernia` and `Will Alba`, monitoring Manchester Jewish communities.
- The judge told jurors the background was `coincidental` to last week's attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and they must try the case fairly; Bilel Saadaoui, 36, faces charges at Preston Crown Court.
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Terror suspect 'hero-worshipped' Paris mastermind, court told
A man accused of plotting a gun attack on Jewish people "hero-worshipped" the mastermind behind the 2015 Paris terror attacks, a court has heard. Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC told Preston Crown Court that Walid Saadaoui, 38, wanted to replicate the actions of Belgian terrorist Abdelhamid Abaaoud. | The latest National and International News
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Total News Sources9
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Center
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources are Center
86% Center
14%
C 86%
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