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U.K. terror suspect alleges ISI threat

Hasan Suroor

Fears for safety of family in Pakistan

LONDON: A British Pakistani facing trial for allegedly plotting to blow up Houses of Parliament and other high-profile targets in Britain has caused a sensation by refusing to give further evidence claiming, that he fears for the safety of his family in Pakistan who have been contacted by that country's security agency, ISI, after his testimony at Old Bailey last week.

Omar Khyam (24), who was to continue his testimony this week about, his activities in Pakistan in 2000, told the court: "Before we go on to that topic, I just want to say the ISI in Pakistan has had words with my family relating to what I have been saying about them.

Stir in courtroom

"I think they are worried I might reveal more about them, so right now, as much as I want to clarify matters, the priority for me has to be the safety of my family so I am going to stop... I am not going to discuss anything related to the ISI any more or the evidence."

His remarks created a stir in the courtroom and the judge warned him that the jury could "draw inferences'' from his refusal to give evidence. "If you refuse to answer questions, the jury may draw such inferences as appears proper from your failure to do so," the judge Sir Michael Astill told him. Mr. Khyam said "yes'' when asked if he understood what it meant.

Mr. Khyam and six others, including his younger brother Shujah-Ud-Din Mahmood (18), were arrested in March 2004 for allegedly conspiring to cause explosions likely to endanger life.

They were arrested after 600 kg of fertiliser, which police claimed was meant to make bombs, was found in a west London depot.

They were accused of discussing of bombing public places including pubs and nightclubs.

Last week, Mr. Khyam told the court that ISI was training militants and during his visit to Pakistan six years ago he trained in an ISI-supervised camp.

"The ISI was setting up camps in what we called Free Kashmir, funding it with money and weapons and people that would train people, and logistical supplies, everything,'' he said.

Mr. Khyam said the people who trained him in handling arms were "selected by the ISI''.

"The ISI works with Islamic groups,'' he added.

He has denied his involvement in any plot claiming that his remarks about bombing Parliament was a "joke.''

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