Overview
- Testifying at Preston Crown Court, Walid Saadaoui told jurors he acted out of fear after a man claiming to be from the mujahideen threatened him, as his defence says he intended to sabotage the plot and alert police.
- Saadaoui and co-defendant Amar Hussein deny preparing terrorist acts between December 13, 2023 and May 9, 2024, including arranging firearms purchases, reconnaissance and attack planning.
- Prosecutors say an undercover operative known as Farouk recorded the defendants discussing an IS-inspired plan to kill as many Jewish people as possible, including targeting a pro-Israel march and Jewish communities in Manchester.
- Police arrested Saadaoui on May 8, 2024 in a Bolton hotel car park and told the court they found two assault rifles, a semi‑automatic pistol and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition in a car, alleging further deliveries were due.
- Jurors have previously been told Saadaoui sought four AK‑47s, two handguns and 1,200 rounds, and that his brother, Bilel Saadaoui, pleads not guilty to failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.