The verdict: guilty
CHARGE: "Membership of an armed group and possession of weapons, explosives and unauthorised international communications devices, as well as starting to commit acts of sabotage against Yemeni and foreign interests in Aden."
 BUTT,Shahid 5 YEARS |
 HARHARA, Malik 7 YEARS |
 HUSSEIN,Ghulam Time served |
 AHMAD,Sarmad 5 YEARS |
 GHAILAN,Muhsin 7 YEARS |
 "Al-Jaza'iri" 5 YEARS |
 MUSTAPHA,Muhammad 3 YEARS |
 NABI,Shazad Time served |
 HUSSEIN,Iyaz Time served |
 SAGHIR,Kamal 5 YEARS |
ON THE CHARGE of conspiring to form an armed gang, Malik Harhara and Mohsin Ghailan (stepson of Abu Hamza al-Masri) received the heaviest sentences – seven years each. Shahid Butt, Sarmad Ahmed (publicity officer of Abu Hamza's Supporters of Shariah organisation) and the two Algerians were each jailed for five years. Mohammed Mustafa Kamil (Abu Hamza's son) was jailed for three years.
Three defendants – Ghulam Hussein, Shaz Nabi and Ayad Hussein – were sentenced to the time they had already served in jail since their arrests.
Five defendants were convicted on additional charges. Harhara and Ghailan were also sentenced to three years for possessing weapons, including rocket launchers and landmines. Sarmad Ahmad was sentenced to three years for possessing weapons and Mohammed Mustafa Kamil to two years for possessing hand grenades. Kamal Saghir, an Alegrian, was sentenced to two years for having a fake French passport. The additional sentences were to be served concurrently.
News reports
(The links may no longer be working)
Britons convicted of Yemen bomb plot- BBC
Britons, Algerians jailed for up to seven years in Yemen bomb plot- Agence France Presse
"Yemen detainees": statement by the British Foreign Office, 9 August 1999
Interview with Peter Hain, Minister of State at the Foreign Office, (edited transcript) BBC Radio 5, 9 August 1999
Yemen jails Britons for forming armed gang- Reuters
UK militant Masri not surprised by Yemen verdict- Reuters
Islamic leader warns Yemen verdict could bring violence- Agence France Presse
Families condemn Yemen trial- BBC
"Relations with the UK could be at stake"
Audio/video report on the case by Peter Gould of the BBC
Reports and analysis - August 10
THE GUARDIAN:
Jailed British Muslims reject early release offer
Hardline cleric in London rejects 'terrorist mastermind' charge
Yemen trip doomed by police spy
DAILY TELEGRAPH:
Islamic terrorists threaten reprisals for Yemen jailings
Judgment becomes Arabian nightmare
Arrests presented opportunity to project new image
REUTERS:
Yemen jails Britons in "terrorism'' case
Families, lawyers slam Yemen jail rulings
Pre-verdict reports
Yemen court ruling due for British Muslims- Press Association
Yemen official sees fair verdict in Britons' trial- Reuters - Reuters
Britons braced for Yemeni verdict- BBC
Britons, Algerians face death over Yemen bomb plot- Agence france Presse - Agence france Presse
Yemen to send home 'bomb plot' Britons
Group of eight Britons facing heavy sentences over alleged bomb plot to be sent home - The Times
Family dismisses Yemen's 'ludicrous fantasy'
Daniel McGrory looks into the backgrounds of the eight Britons accused of planning a terrorist campaign - The Times
AUDIO/VIDEO REPORTS
The Yemeni authorities say they have plenty of evidence
Video/audio report by Duncan Kennedy of the BBC
Mud could stick on the British government
Audio report by Mike Donkin, BBC News
Defence lawyer Rashad Yaqoob: "We believe the trial is flawed"
Audio interview by BBC News
The "jihad experience"- Middle East International, 20-Aug-99
UK denies asking Yemen to cut Britons' sentences- Reuters
Salih refuses Blair's request to release prisoners- ArabicNews
British terror trial accused to be freed, cleric warns of reprisals- AFP
Yemen prosecutor says jail terms too light - Reuters
Britain defends actions in Yemen case - Reuters
"British diplomats have said they will continue to support the men"
Audio report by Duncan Kennedy of the BBC
