British teen convicted of terrorist plan to behead soldier

Image
AP London
Last Updated : Feb 20 2015 | 1:50 AM IST
A British teenager who rapidly became radicalized after converting to Islam was convicted today of planning to behead a soldier.
A jury at London's Central Criminal Court found 19-year-old Brusthom Ziamani guilty of preparing an act of terrorism.
The London-born teenager was raised by Jehovah's Witness parents but converted to Islam early in 2014 and became influenced by the radical group al-Muhajiroun.
Prosecutors said Ziamani was inspired by the two Islamic extremists who murdered soldier Lee Rigby in a London street in 2013.
They said he researched the location of army cadet bases in London and told his girlfriend he planned to "kill soldiers" before he was arrested in August with a 12-inch (30-centimeter) knife and a hammer in his backpack.
Ziamani said he had only made the remarks to fit in with his extremist friends. His lawyer, Naeem Mian, said the teenager should not be convicted for having "undoubtedly repulsive views."
A jury deliberated for a day and a half before finding him guilty. Ziamani will be sentenced on March 20.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 20 2015 | 1:50 AM IST

Next Story