Islamic State plotter from Coventry among terrorists who may have early releases scrapped

An ISIS plotter from Coventry who tried to join the extremist group in Iraq could be denied early release from prison under tough new emergency laws.

Aras Mohammed Hamid was living in the city when he tried to join the group and arrange for others to travel to the so-called ‘caliphate’ in the Middle East. The Kurdish-born planner received a seven-year prison sentence for preparing acts of terrorism after a trial at Kingston Crown Court in January 2017

Hamid, who was also convicted of possessing a fake Bulgarian passport, had been set for early release in May 2020, according to reports. But under new laws introduced in Parliament he may have to wait until he has served a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence.

Emergency legislation introduced by the Government in Parliament yesterday (Tuesday February 11) is set to end the automatic early release of terrorist offenders.

Unveiled by Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC, the powers would stop the current automatic half-way release for offenders who receive standard determinate sentences.

Instead, they will have to spend a minimum of two-thirds of their term in prison before being referred to the Parole Board for consideration. The powers would also mean offenders have to undergo a thorough risk assessment by the Parole Board, with those still considered a risk forced to see out their prison sentence. Lie detector, or polygraph tests, would also be introduced.

The legislation covers crimes such as training for terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation and the dissemination of terrorist publications.

Source: Coventry Telegraph