Chef charged under anti-terror laws

War on terrorism: Terrorism

A man who is alleged to have recruited and trained young Muslims in Britain in how to use weapons was charged yesterday with two offences under anti-terrorism laws.

Sulayman Balal Zain-ul-Abidin, 43, a chef from Greenwich, south-east London, is charged under legislation that outlaws the instruction or training of individuals in the use of firearms, explosives, chemical, biological or nuclear weapons.

In a second count, he faces charges that relate to individuals that offer training or instruction for terrorist offences that may take place in Britain or abroad.

Mr Zain-ul-Abidin has been charged in connection with a security company based in south-east London that allegedly recruits and trains Islamic extremists and raises funds for Islamic Jihad.

He will appear at Belmarsh magistrates' court today after being arrested by anti-terrorist detectives on Monday at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in north-west London where he works.

He is the first person in Britain to face a charge related to terrorism since the attacks in America on 11 September.

Scotland Yard said: "The suspect has been charged with one count under Section 54(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and one count under Section 54(3) of the Terrorism Act 2000."

Detectives raided Mr Zain-ul-Abidin home on an estate in Kidbrooke, south-east London, on Monday. His is accused of being linked to Sakina Security Services, a London-based security firm that has a website that invites clients to participate in the "ultimate jihad challenge".