A 36-year-old woman has been charged with terrorism offenses following an investigation by the U.K.’s Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Safiyya Amira Shaikh (born 25.05.1983) of Hayes, Middlesex was charged with the preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006. On and between 19 August 2019 and 10 October 2019, she allegedly made contact with a person she believed to be able to assist in preparing explosives; researched methods and decided on a plan to carry out a terrorist act; traveled to London and stayed at a hotel to conduct reconnaissance; noted the hotel’s suitability as a target for a bomb; attended St Paul’s cathedral to scope it, for security and for the best place to plant a second bomb; met and supplied a person with two bags with the intention and belief that explosive devices would be fitted into the bags; and prepared the words of a pledge of allegiance to the so-called Islamic State group.
She is also charged with the dissemination of terrorist publications, contrary to section 2 TACT, 2006. On various dates between 19 August 2019 and 10 October 2019, she is alleged to have disseminated terrorist publications via Telegram groups and channels under her control, intending an effect of her conduct to be a direct or indirect encouragement or other inducement, or would be the provision of assistance, to the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, contrary to section 2 (1) and 2 (2) (e) of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Shaikh appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court where she was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey court, London on November 1.
Safiyya Amira Shaikh (born 25.05.1983) of Hayes, Middlesex was charged with the preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006. On and between 19 August 2019 and 10 October 2019, she allegedly made contact with a person she believed to be able to assist in preparing explosives; researched methods and decided on a plan to carry out a terrorist act; traveled to London and stayed at a hotel to conduct reconnaissance; noted the hotel’s suitability as a target for a bomb; attended St Paul’s cathedral to scope it, for security and for the best place to plant a second bomb; met and supplied a person with two bags with the intention and belief that explosive devices would be fitted into the bags; and prepared the words of a pledge of allegiance to the so-called Islamic State group.
She is also charged with the dissemination of terrorist publications, contrary to section 2 TACT, 2006. On various dates between 19 August 2019 and 10 October 2019, she is alleged to have disseminated terrorist publications via Telegram groups and channels under her control, intending an effect of her conduct to be a direct or indirect encouragement or other inducement, or would be the provision of assistance, to the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, contrary to section 2 (1) and 2 (2) (e) of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Shaikh appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court where she was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey court, London on November 1.
