News Editor Poppy Jacobs reports on the PhD student at the University of Birmingham facing jail time for building a drone for a terrorist group.
A PhD student at the University of Birmingham is facing jail time after being convicted of building a drone for terrorist group Islamic State.
The drone, designed by 26-year-old Mohammed al-Bared, was constructed with the ability to transport explosive materials or chemical weapons into enemy territory for IS. Whilst studying for his PhD at the University of Birmingham, the Coventry resident was in weekly communication with IS on the progress of the single-use drone.
The drone and 3D printer were found in his bedroom after a raid on the property in January
It is believed that the mechanical engineering graduate used a 3D printer, found at the house he shared with his parents, to construct some components. The drone and 3D printer were found in his bedroom after a raid on the property in January. They were seized by police, alongside several devices including phones and a laptop.
According to West Midlands detectives, review of the seized devices revealed multiple conversations demonstrating al-Bared’s support for IS, alongside extremist material. Police also found al-Bared had completed an IS application form, and had set up a UK-registered company to aid plans for future international travel.
“It is our clear view that this man was very, very dangerous, that he was building something that was a weapon to be used to deliver chemicals to cause harm to people who didn’t share his extremist views,” said DCS Mark Payne, as reported in the Guardian.
The Commander of the West Midlands counter-terrorism unit stated that Bared ‘clearly had a terrorist mindset’.
It is our clear view that this man was very, very dangerous
Al-Bared denies being an IS supporter, claiming he made the drone for his own research purposes. Despite reports that Bared was fascinated with IS, he claimed to have only researched the terrorist organisation online to argue against its aims.
Evidence presented in court showed al-Bared had researched chemicals such as sarin, ricin, and mustard gas, as well as material on electronic devices, detonators and an ‘explosive head’ for his drone. It was stressed that the detailed chemical equations found in his notebooks were not part of al-Bared’s university studies, and were intended to aid the construction of the ‘kamikaze’ drone.
The University of Birmingham, where al-Bared was undertaking his PhD, stated that he had been suspended as a student following his arrest. A University of Birmingham spokesperson stated the university continued to support authorities throughout the investigation, and have been ‘assured by police’ that there ‘was no threat or risk to University staff, students or the wider community.’
Al-Bared was convicted after a five-week trial at Birmingham crown court, concluding on Sept 28th. He was convicted of a single count of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts to benefit a proscribed terrorist organisation.
Al-Bared will remain in police custody until his sentencing on the 27th November. He may face a life sentence.
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