Mother of arrested Muslim brothers: “Insh’allah is a word used by any Muslim when saying bye to a friend. But it is ridiculous such a word to be considered as terror terminology.�
(Mother claims UK cops panicked when son said Insh’allah to friend).
The mother of two Ugandan brothers arrested on terrorism charges under new British laws rejected the U.K. government’s contention that her sons were involved in any plot, in an interview with The Black Star News.
The brothers have now appeared via video-link for a hearing at the Old Bailey. Hassan Mutegombwa, 20, and Yassin Mutegombwa, 22, are waiting a committal hearing on October 24 and 26.
Hassan has been charged with one count of procuring funds for terrorism contrary to section 15 of the UK Terrorism Act 2000. Allegedly, on July 23 this year, he “invited another to provide money and intended that it should be used, or had reasonable cause to suspect that it may be used, for the purpose of terrorism.”
Allegedly, he was stopped on July 25, 2006, from boarding a British Airways flight to Nairobi when the airliners were alerted by the British authorities who had obtained information that he had borrowed some money from an undercover agent for unknown purposes.
“Yes, he borrowed the money from a friend and when he told him that we shall meet when I come back, he used the word ‘Insh’allah,’” Mrs. Mutegombwa said, referring to Hassan—Insh’allah means by the will of God. “Insh’allah is a word used by any Muslim when saying bye to a friend. But it is ridiculous such a word to be considered as terror terminology.”
The brothers are under heavy guard at the Belmarsh Prison, where they were remanded September 12, on the alleged terrorism charges. The brothers are not the only Ugandans ensnared by the U.K./U.S. War on Terrorism. Previously, another Ugandan, Jamil Kiyemba spent three years at an American Military Camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Hassan’s older brother faces three counts of allegedly receiving training for terrorism. Allegedly, Yassin received terrorism training at a woodland area near Matley Wood Caravan and Camping site, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, between April 28 and May 1 this year, and between June 2 and June 4 this year.
Additionally, the authorities allege Yassin received terrorism training near Pondwood Farm, White Waltham, and Berkshire on June 18 this year. While at the said locations, Yassin allegedly received weapons training “wholly or partly for the purposes connected with the commission or preparation of acts of terrorism.”
Mrs. Mutegombwa, after marathon attempts to get access to her sons had limited monitored phone conversation with both. She says both were “sounding positive.”
Miwambo writes for The Black Star from London.
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