09/05/2003

Suspected suicide bomber’s relatives charged

Three relatives of a British suicide bomb suspect have appeared before Bow Street Magistrates court to face terrorism charges.

The sister, brother and wife of bomb suspect Omar Khan Sharif, 27, were all denied bail and were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday, May 19.

All three, Zahid Hussain Sharif, 46, Paveen Akthor Sharif, 35, and Tahari Shad Tabassum, 27 are from Derby.

The three are all close relatives of Omar Khan Sharif (27) who is being sought in relation to a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, Israel last month.

Charges against the three were brought under Section 38 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows for a five year sentence for failure to disclose information about acts of terrorism.

Ms Sharif was further charged under Section 62 of the Terrorism Act. This relates to aiding and abetting terrorist acts overseas and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Friday’s proceedings were adjourned to allow the accused access to legal representation.

The suicide bombing in Tel Aviv injured over 50 people and killed three. Mr Sharif is being hunted by Israeli security services after it was alleged that the bomb he was carrying failed to detonate and he fled the scene.

Israeli police believe that 21-year-old Briton, Asif Muhammad Hanif, who died in the explosion was carrying the bomb that detonated at Mike’s Bar in Tel Aviv.

Three other people arrested by police earlier this week were released after questioning.

(SP)

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