A wannabe suicide bomber who plotted to blow up a Heathrow passenger plane in an 9/11-style atrocity can be freed from prison.
Adam Khatib, 39, from Walthamstow in east London, collaborated with fellow Al Qaeda supporters in 2006 to utilize liquid explosives concealed in bottles of Lucozade and Oasis to kill hundreds of passengers on flights heading to the US or Canada.
The exposure of this plot that year led to the most extensive overhaul in aviation security ever seen, altering the methods by which travelers embark on flights globally.
The restriction of carrying liquids over 100ml on most flights – which is less than a third of a canned beverage – is a lasting result of Khatib’s deadly conspiracy.
The extremist, who during his school years in east London adopted the name ‘Adam Osama Bin Laden,’ was sentenced to a minimum of 18 years following his conviction for conspiracy to commit murder.
But now the former east London factory worker has finished his minimum 14-year term and been granted parole.
At a hearing on August 7 at the high security prison where he is held, Khatib gave evidence to the panel and asked to be released on licence.
A written summary noted: ‘Mr. Khatib expressed to the panel that he had felt angered and frustrated by the oppression of Muslims and the policies of the UK and US governments concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Iraq war.
Adam Khatib, 39, from east London plotted with other Al Qaeda sympathizers to self-detonate on a passenger flight departing Heathrow in an attack reminiscent of 9/11 – but he is now eligible for release.
Restrictions on taking volumes of more than 100ml on most flights are the enduring legacy of Khatib’s murderous plot after he smuggled explosives in Lucozade and Oasis bottles (File image)
‘Mr Khatib told the panel that he no longer condoned the use of violence and had a more rational understanding of the futility of violence in seeking change.
‘Mr Khatib had also developed a greater understanding of his religion and of the Qur’an.’
The board heard that at the time of his offending ‘he had a need for identity, meaning and belonging’ and noted ‘a need for excitement, comradeship, and adventure.’ It concluded he ‘had been susceptible to indoctrination.’
The panel was told Khatib had ‘undertaken accredited programmes to address his decision making, extremist offending, and ways of disengaging.’ This included ‘victim awareness.’
Experts at the hearing, including psychologists, said there was no further work that Khatib needed to do and supported his release.
His probation officer outlined a release plan that included living in approved accommodation, and strict limitations on his contacts, movements, and activities. This was described as an ‘extensive level of monitoring.’
The board concluded: ‘After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.
A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: ‘We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Adam Khatib following an oral hearing.
The fanatic called himself ‘Adam Osama Bin Laden’ while at school – after the leader of al-Qaeda Osama bin Laden (pictured)
Experts at the parole hearing concluded Khatib has been ‘susceptible to indoctrination’ (pictured as a child)
‘Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.’
However, a security expert has questioned the decision to free Khatib.
Chris Phillips, the UK’s former Head of the National Counter Terrorism, told the Mail: ‘I struggle to believe that Khatib has renounced his former extremist views.
‘The Heathrow bomb plot was designed to kill thousands of innocent passengers and many more on the ground. If successful, it would have been on par with 9/11.
‘I understand the Parole Board has thought long and hard before making a decision but it is one fraught with risk.’
The new Secretary of State for Justice, David Lamey MP, can ask the Parole Board to look again at the case to make sure it followed all the correct procedures. He cannot step in to stop his release on licence.
Khatib’s co-defendant Nabeel Hussain, 25, from Chingford in east London, was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts.
He was a ‘backroom boy’ providing key logistical and financial help to the cell leader.
Khatib’s co-defendant Nabeel Hussain, 25, from Chingford in east London, was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts
Mohammed Shamin Uddin, 39, was also imprisoned for 15 months for one count of possessing materials – namely a CD – likely to be useful to terrorism as well as firearms
Shopkeeper Mohammed Shamin Uddin, 39, of Stoke Newington in north-east London, was imprisoned for 15 months for one count of possessing materials – namely a CD – likely to be useful to terrorism.
He was also jailed for a further five years and nine months for possessing a firearm.
It is believed that both Hussain and Uddin have since been released.
The trial heard the three men were not aware of the specifics of Ali’s plot, but knew it involved attacks on civilians.
Peter Wright, prosecuting, said at the time: ‘The troops on the ground may be kept in the dark until the final days.
‘All that’s required is a preparedness to do their bit. Khatib is one such individual.’
Khatib travelled with Ali to Pakistan, the court heard, while another cell ringleader Assad Sarwar, 29, was also there and admitted learning how to make bombs, in a plot became operational after they returned to the UK.
Khatib was one of the few admitted to the ‘bomb factory’ in Walthamstow, where Ali and Tanvir Hussain prepared explosives – and details of explosives and a ‘recipe’ for a home-made detonator were found at Khatib’s home.
Ali, described as ‘the ringleader’, was ordered to serve at least 40 years, while Sarwar was given at least 36 and Hussain at least 32 years.
