Birmingham Woman Cleared of Knowing About Terror

A 23 year old Birmingham woman has been cleared of failing to disclose information about terrorism to the police.

Salma Kabal from Alum Rock was accused of knowing that her estranged husband, Ashik Ali, was plotting an act of terrorism.

He, along with Irfan Naseer and Irfan Khalid, was convicted in February of planning a UK bombing campaign. The three were described as being central figures in a wider network of 11 men from the city.

The jury found her not guilty following a week-long trial.

The case against Kabal was based on conversations she had with Ali at his flat shortly before his arrest. Police and MI5 officers had installed a listening device to gather evidence against him and others who were using the flat as a base to plot.

Kabal told the jury that she had not believed Ali had ever really intended to commit a terrorist offence.

The investigation was led by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.  Assistant chief constable Marcus Beale said: "We had evidence that needed to be brought before a court for a jury to decide whether or not Ms Kabal should have informed the police. They have acquitted Ms Kabal and we fully respect their decision.

"We continue to urge people to come forward and speak to us if they suspect someone of being involved in terrorism. Firstly because it is the right thing to do, but also because anyone having knowledge of potential terrorist offences can be vulnerable to prosecution themselves."