Overview
- Jermaine Grant, 43, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and was remanded for seven days while consent to prosecute is sought from the attorney general.
- He is charged with directing the activities of Al‑Shabaab between December 31, 2007 and January 1, 2010 under the UK Terrorism Act 2000.
- Prosecutors also brought three counts of attending an Al‑Shabaab commando training camp in Kismayu and two counts of possessing an AK‑47 for terrorist purposes.
- In court, a prosecutor said Grant is accused of training and fighting as a commando in Somalia, serving as a platoon leader, and possessing a rifle during the battle of Karan.
- The CPS said there is sufficient evidence and a public interest to prosecute, and police described a long-running investigation, while officials reminded the public to avoid reporting that could prejudice a fair trial; Al‑Shabaab is an al‑Qaeda‑linked group behind major attacks in Somalia and Kenya.